West Ham news round-up: Lucas Paqueta sends message, teammate ruled out of international duty
West Ham are still feeling the affects of a gruelling summer transfer window.
The international break is well underway, which has given Graham Potter a good chance to get a look at some of his fringe players.
Ten senior Hammers players are on international duty, with midfielder Lucas Paqueta putting behind any West Ham exit talk while away with Brazil.
Things seem to be heading in a better direction for Potter, as West Ham Zone rounds up all of the latest news from the last 24 hours.
Luis Guilherme returns to action for West Ham
West Ham’s Luis Guilherme has been out for a month on the sidelines after picking up a broken collarbone in preseason.
Guilherme now appears to be nearing first-team action as he featured in the 1-1 draw with Watford, according to ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way Patreon.
The Brazilian came on for the final 30 minutes of the draw, as he looks to close in on a return to the first team amid uncertainty up front.
Watford took the lead in the second half, with Preston Fearon equalising for the Irons.
The winger has yet to feature this season, and in a struggling attack, he could prove useful after the international break.
Former Southampton midfielder shares his love for Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes was signed for £40million from West Ham and has already shown plenty of promise for the Hammers.
He was brought in to replace an ageing midfield duo of James Ward-Prowse and Guido Rodriguez.
The pair were involved in the opening 3-0 and 5-1 defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea, respectively, with Fernandes helping the Hammers to their first Premier League win of the season.
Former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem spoke out via BBC Radio Solent’s Southampton podcast to share his love for the Portuguese talent.
He said: “Mateus Fernandes is on people’s radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective.”
“I didn’t think he would stay for a season in the Championship, and he didn’t – leaving after a year – and he [Fernandes] is on a similar level, albeit a different type of player.
“He is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder, and clubs are not going to let that go.
“He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield.”
Lucas Paqueta sends message to Bruno Guimaraes
Lucas Paqueta has undergone a tough couple of months.
Paqueta was rumoured to be forcing a move away from West Ham, but quashed those claims with his celebration against Nottingham Forest.
He has also had to battle alleged betting breaches over the last year, which has made his life on and off the pitch a lot harder.
| Stat vs Chile | Lucas Paqueta |
| Minutes played | 19 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 85 |
| Dribble success rate (%) | 100 |
| Defensive actions | 2 |
| Duels won | 3 |
The midfielder notched a goal for Brazil in their 3-0 win against Chile.
Fellow midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also notched in the win against Chile, and posted on Instagram a photo of himself standing next to the corner flag, captioned: “HE IS FAITHFUL! I love you.”
Paqueta commented on Guimaraes’ post, saying, “Glory to God friend, I love you, you deserve it,” followed by three heart emojis.
Callum Wilson expected to start following Niclas Fullkrug injury
Fullkrug has withdrawn from the Germany squad due to a muscular injury.
The striker has struggled for form over the last year, but has still managed to start each of the Hammers’ opening three Premier League games.
With Fullkrug injured, Callum Wilson has an ideal opportunity to start West Ham’s next game against Tottenham.
- Wilson has missed more than 100 games for Newcastle since he joined the club
- He has endured 15 injuries in his last four and a half years in the North East
- Wilson has had injuries to his hamstrings, calf, chest, back, and two serious ACL knee tears earlier in his career
With both strikers heavily injury-prone, there is an overwhelming worry that Wilson could pick up a knock in the coming weeks, leaving them without a number nine.
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