Yesterday Claret and Hugh’s associate editor Sean Whetstone provided an update on Lucas Paquetá’s forthcoming Parliamentary Committee Enquiry hearing in Brazil and the uncertainty surrounding the requirement for the player to attend in person or by video link.
A development today with Brazilian Media Outlet Senado Noticias claiming that Paquetá will be able to give evidence via video link. If true, this will be of massive help to the player and his club, both with preparation and possible availability for Premier League games in and around the date of the hearing.
Avoiding a thirty hour round-trip back to Brazil plus however many days Paquetá would need to attend can only be beneficial to his physical and mental well-being.
West Ham take on Manchester United on the 27th October, (close to the 30th October start date for the hearing) and then travel to Nottingham Forest on 2nd November. If Paquetá is able to provide evidence via video, fitting around those Premier League fixtures, the Hammers will benefit massively by his availability for selection.
His mental preparation is another matter – Lopetegui will have to assess carefully the effect of the hearing on his midfielder’s mindset before making a decision about his selection.
Whether or not he is raring to go for football will depend on both the tone of the enquiry and his responses, plus the support given by West Ham themselves.
