West Ham United ‘will be hoping’ that attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta can play some part before the World Cup, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the Hammers’ last four fixtures in all competitions but could be set to make an imminent return to the matchday squad.
What is the latest news involving Paqueta?
Paqueta joined West Ham towards the backend of the summer transfer window in a club-record £51 million move from Ligue outfit Lyon.
The Brazil international signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months worth £150,000-per-week and appeared to be finding his feet in his new surroundings before picking up a fitness complaint.
Assists against both Anderlecht and Fulham showed glimpses of what Paqueta is capable of, and West Ham have struggled to create in his absence, scoring just three goals in four games.
However, the creative talent was only expected to be sidelined for two weeks when he first picked up the issue with his shoulder, meaning his comeback shouldn’t be too far away.
What has Sheth said about Paqueta?
Sheth has informed GiveMeSport that there have been ‘conflicting reports’ on the length of time Paqueta is going to be out for but that he ‘should be available for the World Cup’.
He said: “It has been a bit of a blow to have lost him. I'm sure there was conflicting reports on how long he was going to be out for.
“The latest prognosis is that he should be available for the World Cup at the very least. West Ham, I'm sure, will be hoping that he can play some part before that World Cup break.”
Who do West Ham face before the break?
West Ham are set to take on FCSB in their final Europa Conference League group game, Crystal Palace and Leicester City in the Premier League and Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Cup prior to the mid-season break.
Striker Gianluca Scamacca has previously admitted that he has a ‘good connection’ with Paqueta when he plays behind him, and he will surely be hoping the South American returns to action soon.
Following a slow start to the season, David Moyes is slowly but surely turning the tide at the London Stadium and having Paqueta’s services to call upon once again may help West Ham go into the World Cup pause on a positive note.