West Ham United’s record signing Lucas Paqueta is a major doubt for the club’s upcoming clash with Newcastle United, according to manager Julen Lopetegui.
Paqueta, who has been struggling with form and fitness this season, returned from Brazil duty with a niggle and may only be fit enough for a place on the bench at best.
However, Lopetegui was already considering benching Paqueta in favour of Carlos Soler, who has impressed in West Ham training over the international break.
Paqueta’s absence would be a blow to West Ham, who are already without top star Mohammed Kudus and have a number of other injury doubts.
But while Paqueta is a major doubt for Newcastle, West Ham may get a big betting case boost. Paqueta is currently facing a spot-fixing case, which has been hanging over him throughout 2024.
The English FA’s case against Paqueta is expected to be heard by an independent three-person panel in March. But Paqueta and his advisors have been seeking to delay the hearing, citing concerns that it could jeopardise his FA hearing in the UK.
According to Hammers insider Sean Whetstone, Paqueta may be allowed to give evidence remotely in his Brazilian hearing, which could boost West Ham’s chances of having him available for their crucial trip to Leicester on December 3rd.
“Lucas Paqueta’s evidence to the Commission of Inquiry (CPI) on the Manipulation of Games and Sports Betting could be conducted by video link,” Whetstone said. “His lawyers successfully argued a postponement at the end of October until 3 December but West Ham are away to Leicester City that evening and Paqueta could deliver both demands if he is allowed to give evidence remotely.”
West Ham fans will be hoping that Paqueta is able to overcome his injury doubts and feature against Newcastle, and that he is also able to avoid any further complications in his Brazilian hearing.
As for Lopetegui, he will be hoping that his team can put in a strong performance against Newcastle, regardless of whether Paqueta is involved or not. The pressure is mounting on the Spanish manager, and he needs to start delivering results quickly if he is to save his job.
“It’s a big game for us, and we need to be ready,” Lopetegui said. “We’ve been working hard in training, and we’re confident that we can get a good result.
“Lucas Paqueta is a doubt for the game, but we have other players who can step up and make a difference. We’ll be ready for whatever Newcastle throw at us.”
The match against Newcastle is a crucial one for West Ham, and Lopetegui will be hoping that his team can come away with a positive result. With Paqueta’s availability uncertain, Lopetegui will need to rely on other players to step up and make a difference.
One player who could be key for West Ham is Carlos Soler, who has impressed in training over the international break. Soler has been tipped to start against Newcastle, and Lopetegui will be hoping that he can make a big impact.
“Soler has been working hard in training, and he’s shown us that he’s a top player,” Lopetegui said. “We’re confident that he can make a big difference for us against Newcastle.”
West Ham fans will be hoping that Soler can deliver on his promise and help the team to a much-needed win. With the pressure mounting on Lopetegui, a positive result against Newcastle could be just what the Spanish manager needs to turn things around.
But regardless of the outcome against Newcastle, West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on Paqueta’s situation. The Brazilian midfielder has been a key player for the Hammers, and his availability will be crucial in the coming weeks.
As for Paqueta, he will be hoping that he can overcome his injury doubts and feature against Newcastle. But even if he doesn’t make it, Paqueta will be relieved to have avoided any further complications in his Brazilian hearing.
The next few weeks will be crucial for West Ham, and Lopetegui will be hoping that his team can come away with some positive results. With Paqueta’s availability uncertain, Lopetegui will need to rely on other players to step up and make a difference.
One thing is for sure, though – West Ham fans will be watching the next few weeks with bated breath. The pressure is mounting on Lopetegui, and the Spanish manager needs to start delivering results quickly if he is to save his job.
As for Paqueta, he will be hoping that he can overcome his injury doubts and feature for West Ham in the coming weeks. But
