West Ham hope two weeks of rest will be enough for Lucas Paquetá to recover from the shoulder injury that has threatened the Brazil international’s chances of going to the World Cup.
Paquetá was injured during the closing stages of West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last Sunday and missed Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Liverpool. David Moyes has expressed concern over the midfielder and there have been suggestions the problem could keep him out of the World Cup, which begins on 20 November.
However, West Ham, who made Paquetá their record signing from Lyon for £51.5m in August, remain optimistic the injury will heal over the next fortnight. The club will make another assessment after giving Paquetá time to rest. It is hoped that the 25-year-old will not require further treatment.
The creative midfielder has shown flashes of class in England and has quickly established himself as a key player. West Ham, who are also without Maxwel Cornet in attacking midfield, host Bournemouth on Monday.
Brazil will hope Paquetá makes a quick recovery. He started their recent wins over Ghana and Tunisia.
