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West Ham United injury news as Lucas Paqueta update emerges for Aston Villa clash
West Ham are likely to be without Lucas Paqueta for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday after the Brazilian international picked up an injury against AEK Larnaca, according to Claret & Hugh.
The Hammers suffered two injury worries during their UEFA Europa Conference League encounter with Michail Antonio withdrawn after his brace and Flynn Downes playing 90 minutes through the pain barrier.
The pair have recovered in time for Sunday however, with BBC Sport [10 March] reporting that Downes is expected to be ready to face Unai Emery’s side while Antonio could also feature, but there are doubts about Paqueta’s availability.
Claret & Hugh reported on 10 March that it is “too early” to determine whether the Brazilian summer capture will be available for the clash at the London Stadium.
“Flynn Downes (ankle) and Lucas Paquetá (calf) both suffered problems in the game and we are told it is too early to give any confirmation on whether or not they will be available.”
Huge blow
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The Hammers sit in a precarious position in the Premier League table right now after Everton and Bournemouth’s victories on Saturday [11 March], which makes their clash against Emery’s resurgent Villa a huge and pivotal contest to get three points.
However, the club may be without Paqueta which comes as a huge blow to David Moyes and his side. The former Everton boss will desperately need all the quality he can muster and the Brazilian, despite his struggles this campaign, remains one of Moyes’ best performers on his day.
He is a Brazilian international star and the club shelled out huge money for what he can bring to the table.
How long the midfield man will be out is uncertain but the East Londoners will be desperate for him to return soon enough.
However, Claret & Hugh’s update suggests that not quite time for the club to panic just yet, as the Brazilian could still make the Villa game if passed fit.
His creative elegance, vision and control in midfield are traits that West Ham can simply not do without.