Paqueta returns to help stuttering Hammers attack
West Ham are hopeful that star Lucas Paqueta could make a return to action within a fortnight, providing a significant boost to our European hopes.
The teams recent struggles to break down opposition defences has highlighted the crucial role Paqueta plays in the Hammers’ attack. Despite a commendable first-half performance against Manchester United, the absence of a cutting edge was apparent, making the news of Paqueta’s potential return highly welcomed.
Paqueta injury prompted poor form
Paqueta has been side-lined since sustaining a calf problem early in the FA Cup third-round against Bristol City at the beginning of January. His return from a similar issue suffered against Arsenal late last year has been hampered by the complex nature of the injury, as revealed by manager David Moyes earlier this week.
However, after West Ham’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday, Moyes provided a more optimistic update, stating, “We’re hoping that Paqueta is only a week or two away from returning.”
Paqueta returns and West Ham need him more than ever.
The absence of Paqueta has disrupted West Ham’s attacking balance, as he had formed a prolific front three with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus during the first half of the season. Despite Tim Steidten’s efforts to sign a left-sided forward in the January transfer window, no deal materialised which has seriously hindered our chase for a Europa spot.
“We haven’t got into our rhythm, mainly because of some of our boys being away at the Africa Cup of Nations and because of two or three injuries,” Moyes added. “If we look at our form up until around the first of January, we’ve been very good. But we’ve got knocked off by those things, and we just can’t get the balance to our team right on the left-hand side.“