By Jonty Banks

12th Apr, 2023 | 12:16pm

West Ham United injury news: Lucas Paqueta back in contention for Europa Conference League clash v Gent

West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta is back in contention for the club’s Europa Conference League clash against Gent on Thursday (13 April) after injury, according to the Evening Standard.

The Brazilian missed out on the Hammers’ 1-0 victory over Fulham last Saturday (8 April) after picking up an injury in the 5-1 drubbing to Newcastle in midweek. [ExWHUEmpolyee]

David Moyes’ side take on the Belgian outfit in the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League on Thursday before hosting league-leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday (16 April).

The Evening Standard has reported that Paqueta returned to training on Tuesday, and Moyes was expecting every player apart from Gianluca Scamacca, who is sidelined with a knee injury, to take part in training on Wednesday.

The Hammers will be looking to build upon their stunning European form this season, which has seen them win ten consecutive games on their run to the last eight.

Massive boost

Although Paqueta has blown hot and cold since arriving at the London Stadium last summer, the playmaker has the ability to change a game with a single swing of his boot.

Moyes is unlikely to start the 25-year-old after missing out at the weekend, but having him available to come off the bench and unlock a potentially tired Gent defence could be the perfect formula.

Also, having Paqueta fully fit and firing for the Premier League relegation run-in is brilliant news to hear.

When the Brazilian missed the squad at the weekend, many Hammers fans would have feared that Paqueta would have missed several crucial games in the club’s fight against relegation.

Moyes has tended to rotate his West Ham United team in the Europa Conference League so far this season, and having a full squad to select from further suggests a few changes could be made from the side who battled their way to victory at Craven Cottage.