Lucas Paqueta is in contention to feature in West Ham United’s match against Newcastle United on Monday, head coach Graham Potter has said.
The 27-year-old playmaker sustained an ankle injury in training and missed victories against Arsenal and Leicester City. But he returned to training ahead of schedule having initially been set to be sidelined for four weeks.
The Brazil international has featured in five of the eight matches under Potter.
“Paqueta has trained, as has Vladimir Coufal,” Potter said in Friday’s press conference. “There’s a few more days until the game but if they react well then we have a chance they’ll be involved.”
The FA’s hearing into Paqueta’s alleged betting breaches is scheduled to take place soon. In May 2023, the attacker Paqueta was charged by the FA with four separate instances of spot-fixing. If found guilty, he could be banned for life, a fear that is shared internally by senior figures at West Ham.
“He’s fine,” said Potter. “He’s been disappointed because he’s missed games with injury, but he’s worked hard and trained well this week.
“I’ve found him no problem whatsoever since we’ve been here. He’s been really good and has given everything in the games he’s played. The other stuff is out of my hands and control. But in terms of how he is everyday, he’s been really good and has done everything he needs to do to be available again.”
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(Julian Finney/Getty Images)
