Hopes are high for Lucas Paqueta return ahead West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
“Hopes are high” that Lucas Paqueta will return to the West Ham side for their crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, according to Claret & Hugh.
The Brazilian midfielder appeared to have picked up a shoulder injury against Chelsea which he sat out the Hammers’ 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Reports [Claret and Hugh, 21 February] suggested that the injury is not so serious, and he is recovering well, with the 25-year-old given an outside chance of featuring against Forest.
And according to the trusted Hammers source [Claret & Hugh, 22 February], “hopes are high” that he will be able to feature prominently against Forest on Sunday, with a source close to the East Londoners telling them that they are hopeful Paqueta will appear on Saturday.
Desperately needed
The Hammers were abject and bereft of any real belief against Spurs on Sunday, meaning they now find themselves steeped in the relegation places in what’s been a torrid and disappointing campaign so far.
West Ham only registered just the one shot on target all game against their capital rivals in what was a dour performance. Moyes has got to change tact if he is to get out of this worrying rut.
And having their star man, Paqueta, back in action against a rejuvenated Forest is desperately needed right now as the Hammers look directionless and lost without him.
The Brazilian maestro offers the club an attacking and creative spark that none of Moyes’ alternative options possesses.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a decent run in central midfield alongside Declan Rice which will again be their best tactical route for survival or maybe Moyes should deploy Paqueta higher up the pitch when he returns.
It’s a must-win game against Forest so something’s got to give.