Lucas Paqueta fears can be allayed after a deeply concerning social media post from the West Ham star overnight.
It was billed a must win as West Ham took on survival rivals Southampton in a crunch Premier League clash at the London Stadium.
And while it was far from a classic by any stretch of the imagination, the Hammers got the job done.
Nayef Aguerd’s first half goal turned out to be the winner as West Ham were both denied and saved by the same few square inches of crossbar.
The victory lifted West Ham up to 14th and came thanks to notable performances from the likes of Aguerd, Lukasz Fabianski, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta.
Although he was caught on the ball a few times, this was one of Paqueta’s better performances for West Ham.
His neat, one-touch passing stood out – in stark contrast to Tomas Soucek. But the Brazilian’s work off the ball was just as impressive.
David Moyes will need to hope he can keep the Paqueta and Declan Rice partnership fit and firing if West Ham are to achieve their goals for the remainder of the season.
So there was understandable panic among some supporters yesterday evening when talk started doing the rounds Paqueta had suffered an injury blow.
Lucas Paqueta fears allayed after deeply concerning social media post from West Ham star overnight
But Paqueta fears can be allayed after a deeply concerning social media post from the West Ham star overnight.
The midfielder posted a selfie while laying down in a West Ham training top with his head on a pillow and wearing an oxygen mask.
Paqueta looks to be wearing a pained expression on his face as he does a peace sign to the camera.
He uploaded the picture – which you can see in the post above – to his Instagram stories at around 7pm. And it sparked understandable concern among West Ham fans.
But the emoji of a battery charging in the top corner of the image is the big giveaway here.
Because Paqueta is actually doing some oxygen therapy recovery ahead of another huge game against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Oxygen therapy reduces the degree of muscle fatigue, lactic acid buildup and is commonly used by athletes.
So fear not West Ham fans, he has not been taken ill and there is no new injury to his shoulder.
He also posted an image of himself from the game with the words “Big win” alongside Hammers and a praying hands emoji.
Now, on to Newcastle.
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