Pundit claims Lucas Paqueta may have ulterior motive amid ‘unprecedented’ West Ham injury reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham star Lucas Paqueta may be one of many Premier League stars who “won’t want to take too many risks” in order to preserve their fitness between now and the World Cup.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the majority of top-flight players will be “thinking about their bodies” ahead of next month’s “unprecedented” tournament.
Paqueta, 25, sustained a shoulder injury during West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last week and missed Wednesday’s (19 October) loss against Liverpool as a result.
Speaking to club media prior to Monday’s (24 October) game against Bournemouth, David Moyes revealed the midfielder’s injury “isn’t as serious as first feared” – but is “not normal” for football players.
The Brazil international, who is a mainstay in the Selecao midfield ahead of the World Cup, took to Twitter to reassure fans with a video of him in individual training.
Paqueta has notched one assist in six games for West Ham since joining for a club-record £51million in August.
Whelan insisted fatigue will “play a part” at the World Cup and suggested some players may not go into challenges “full-heartedly” in order to stay fit.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “You’d like to think they’re not doing this on purpose.
“When you’re not playing you lose that edge and sharpness, and that will come in handy at a World Cup.
“Will players be going in full-heartedly? The World Cup may be in some players’ minds.
“This season is unprecedented, isn’t it? It’s demanding, and there are a lot of games, so fatigue will play a part.
“A large majority of players, including Paqueta, will be thinking about their bodies ahead of next month.
“However, my professional head says – you can’t do that.
“You’re getting paid to play for your club.
“But with the World Cup on the horizon, there may well be a few thinking that they won’t want to take too many risks.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims West Ham takeover U-turn is on the cards amid £6million reveal.