Espirito Santo backs Paqueta ahead of West Ham return | OneFootball

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed Lucas Paqueta will make return after his dismissal against Liverpool.

Paqueta was shown two quick yellow cards for dissent when West Ham hosted Liverpool on Sunday, and missed the clash against Manchester United in midweek. 

He was not given an extended ban by the Football Association (FA), and so is eligible to play against Brighton on Sunday. Despite concerns over his behaviour, West Ham manager Nuno was unequivocal about the Brazilian’s return, and adamant that he would be included in the starting line-up. 

Asked whether he was worried there would be a repeat of Paqueta’s disciplinary issues, he said: “It’s in the past. It’s in the past, so I’m positive that it will not happen again. Because he personally admitted his mistake.”

“We said the things we had to say in the dressing room. I’m positive that it’s over and he will not repeat it.”

The midfielder, who was recently cleared of spot-fixing charges, was making his return from a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in league games. Having missed the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, he was only six minutes shy of playing the full match against Liverpool when he got sent off at the London Stadium. 

Following the match, Paqueta made a statement saying his actions “were a reflection of everything I have had to endure” – referring to the year-long investigation after the FA brought the charges, alleging he had been getting booked intentionally “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.