A fuel injector includes a housing defining a longitudinal bore having a proximal end and a distal end, a high pressure fuel duct in communication with the longitudinal bore and a valve seat including a valve seat surface and an aperture at the distal end of the longitudinal bore. A poppet valve is disposed in the longitudinal bore and includes a valve head that is engageable with the valve seat surface. An actuator device is disposed at the proximal end of the longitudinal bore and a hydraulic coupler is disposed between the actuator and the poppet valve within the longitudinal bore. The hydraulic coupler defines a chamber that receives low pressure fuel for providing a hydraulic lash adjuster between the actuator and the poppet valve.