Lucas Paquetá is claiming that a back injury is keeping him out of West Ham United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and not a potential exit.
That’s according to journalist Raisa Simplicio. She reports that Paquetá is complaining of a back injury at this moment in time.
The Brazilian midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from West Ham in this transfer window.
Reports in Brazil back in December stated that Flamengo were ready to make a move. Since then, Chelsea have also, reportedly, quietly slipped into the picture for the midfielder.
A report yesterday then made it clear that West Ham are willing to sell the Brazilian, but would rather wait until the summer. We covered various reports explaining the situation, which was seemingly being led by Paquetá. He appears determined to leave the London Stadium and that is giving the likes of Flamengo hope.
A report from ESPN even claimed that West Ham will hold a meeting this week to discuss Paquetá’s valuation and a potential exit. In the meantime, they’re preparing for a derby against Tottenham on Saturday.
Tottenham themselves have been linked, with those claims starting in Brazil and then being replicated in England. Spurs seem to have put their pursuit on the back-burner as Conor Gallagher closes in on a move to the club instead.
West Ham player can’t face Tottenham due to back injury
Paquetá would be expected to start in that game. However, Simplicio reports that he is currently claiming that he’s suffering from a back injury. That has made him ‘unlikely’ to feature in the game against Tottenham.
Now, the cynical among us would point out that the ‘back injury’ has often been cited by players looking to ensure they don’t play. That’s particularly the case when a transfer is on the cards. Back injuries are, notoriously, difficult to prove or disprove.
Given Paquetá’s apparent desire to return to Brazil and join Flamengo, this one feels a little too convenient.
