Lucas Paqueta missed West Ham’s midweek trip in the Premier League and details surrounding the severity of his injury have now been shared.
David Moyes confirmed that Paqueta did not travel with the squad to Anfield due to a shoulder problem but remained tight-lipped on how long the Brazilian could be out.
The 25-year-old had become a regular starter in the side following his club-record £51m signing from Lyon in the summer.
He had started each of the previous five Premier League fixtures but it seems as if he could be on the sidelines until next month at the earliest.
Speaking on the Premier FPL Injuries YouTube channel Ben Dinnery said:
(5:32)”David Moyes confirms that Paqueta suffered a serious shoulder injury. Now he was unwilling to give a time frame on a potential return to play that may be regards to this collarbone injury and whether it could be treated conservatively or whether it needs to go under the knife it remains to be seen.
“But we’re looking at at least two-three weeks in the first instance.”
TIF Thoughts on Paqueta and West Ham…
Will Lucas Paqueta come good for West Ham?
Yes
No
Although the 34-cap Brazil international has yet to really find his feet in east London it certainly is a setback for Moyes given that he had emerged as a consistent name in the starting XI.
Having scored 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season it is clear that he has the potential to flourish in claret and blue.
With games coming thick and fast, the Scottish manager could do with having a full complement to choose from.
Only four sides have scored fewer goals than the Irons so far this season in the Premier League and with Maxwell Cornet also out their options have become limited.
Flynn Downes came into the side for the defeat at Liverpool and while the London Stadium outfit were unlucky to come away from the game without a result having Paqueta return sooner rather than later would be a boost given his ability at no.10.