West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be back for the Hammers' Europa Conference League tie against FCSB on Thursday, according to injury news journalist Ben Dinnery.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been out with a shoulder problem but looks close to making a return.

GiveMeSport Injury News

What is the latest injury news involving Paqueta?

Paqueta has missed West Ham's last four fixtures after damaging his shoulder in a 1-1 draw with Southampton last month.

It is a frustrating development for the Brazilian, who joined the Hammers from Lyon during the summer.

He would have been hoping to quickly settle and make a positive impact at the London Stadium, but he has not been able to do that because of his shoulder injury.

The good news for the former Lyon man, though, is that he is unlikely to miss the World Cup in Qatar, which is set to kick off later this month.

What has Dinnery said about Paqueta?

Dinnery has told GIVEMESPORT that Paqueta could be ready to play some minutes against FCSB on Thursday.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "Everything that we know, up until this point, indicates that he should be very close for Thursday. If not, then we're maybe looking at Sunday."

How desperate will David Moyes be for Paqueta to return?

Very. Having spent around £50m (via Sky Sports) on him, a club-record fee, West Ham and Moyes must see Paqueta as a key player.

When the Brazil international is fully fit again, he should bring a lot of quality to the side. As per FBref, over the last year, he has ranked in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes and the 86th for dribbles completed among attacking midfielders and wingers.

Paqueta has also ranked in the 90th percentile for tackles, the 93rd for blocks, the 95th for clearances and the 88th for aerials won, which is pretty impressive.

Ultimately, while Paqueta has the skill to improve West Ham going forward, the £150,000-a-week star can also help Moyes' side to win the ball back.

When you consider all of that, of course the Scotsman will want his new signing back as soon as possible.

Moyes will now be hoping that he can call upon Paqueta on Thursday when West Ham wrap up their Europa Conference League group stage campaign. If not, then it seems he will have to wait until the Crystal Palace game on Sunday, which is not too far away.