West Ham United: David Moyes learns extent of Lucas Paqueta injury lay-off at London Stadium
Lucas Paqueta has been ruled out for the next four weeks with a calf injury, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The reliable journalist provided an update on The Guardian’s online edition [9 January], adding that specialist treatment is being sought.
Brazil international Paqueta, who aggravated the injury against Bristol City at the weekend, will now miss up to five matches.
The report read: “Lucas Paqueta will see a specialist for further assessment on a calf injury that will keep the West Ham midfielder out for four weeks.
“The Brazil international wants to get to the root of the problem and has sought specialist help. He works with a personal physio, who has travelled to London to see the former Lyon player.”
Bad news
Paqueta’s month-long lay-off coincides with Mohammed Kudus being away on Africa Cup of Nations over the same period.
If that was not bad enough, Jarrod Bowen also picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Bristol City, which United are waiting to hear back on.
Even if Bowen is fit and ready when West Ham return to action, David Moyes is still now light of options in attacking midfield and upfront.
There has been talk of the Irons moving for a new attacker in the January transfer window, and that surely now has to be the case.
Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet, Pablo Fornals, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama are available for selection, but Moyes does not fancy them.
The positive news, if you can call it that, is West Ham ‘only’ have four games between now and 11 February – five if they progress in the FA Cup.
Getting to the bottom of this injury issue is key, even if that means being without the brilliant Brazilian for the next month. Now it is over to those other names mentioned to step up.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are now in contact with Ghana over the injury Mohammed Kudus is carrying.