Nuno Espirito Santo rules out Lucas Paqueta and hails Sunderland’s physical edge | OneFootball

Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed Lucas Paqueta will not be in West Ham’s squad for their Premier League meeting with Sunderland on Saturday lunchtime, according to Sunderland Echo.

The Brazilian playmaker has been heavily linked with a move away this month, including a potential return to Flamengo. He was omitted from the matchday group for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, and the manager said the situation remains unchanged.

Nuno explained that the club are handling the matter day by day and reiterated his high regard for Paqueta. He said past events had caused problems for the player and expressed hope that Paqueta and the club can find a solution so everyone can move forward.

On wider team news, he noted there are knocks to assess before finalising the squad, with another day of preparation to come. Selection calls will be made closer to kick-off.

Nuno also praised Sunderland’s adaptation to the top flight. Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on the opening weekend, and he described them as a physical, organised side with energy, strong in duels and a very tough opponent in a league where no game is easy.

Source: Sunderland Echo