Lucas Paqueta has responded after West Ham sent him for a scan on an injury sustained in training ahead of the clash with Arsenal.
West Ham go to London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
It’s a massive game for the Hammers and Gunners for very different reasons.
Arsenal and former West Ham captain Declan Rice know they must win to have any realistic hope of overhauling Liverpool for the title.
Meanwhile 16th placed West Ham risk falling closer to the bottom three with 13 games left if they don’t pick up a result.
The way Lucas Paqueta has been playing of late gives the Hammers hope, though.
Mikel Arteta is without a host of Arsenal’s top forward players for the game.
But Graham Potter has suffered a glut of injuries since taking over at West Ham last month.
Paqueta’s West Ham scan result confirmed ahead of Arsenal
Although he has been boosted by news defender Jean-Clair Todibo is back in contention to start.
Paqueta has been one of West Ham’s best players under their new boss.
Potter has overseen just one win in his first six games ahead of facing Arsenal.
However, Paqueta’s performances have improved immeasurably under the new manager.
West Ham hearts were in mouths when news emerged from training this week that Paqueta had rolled his ankle before the trip to the Emirates.
The news went down well at Arsenal given how Paqueta has been playing and what is at stake for Arteta’s side.
The Brazilian magnifico was sent for a scan on the injury, which happened during an open training session attended by press and fans.
Now Paqueta has reacted as the West Ham scan result is confirmed ahead of the Arsenal clash.
Paqueta reacts as star ruled out for Arsenal and three more
It’s terrible news for the Hammers and a major boost for Arsenal.
Because Paqueta will be out for up to a month, meaning he won’t be seen again in a West Ham shirt until April, after the international break.
Top West Ham board source Sean Whetstone and Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg have both confirmed Paqueta faces three to four weeks out.
It means the midfielder will miss games against Arsenal, Leicester, Newcastle and Everton.
Reacting to the news, Paqueta is turning to his faith as he shared a picture laying down at home in a protective boot.
“Whatever the circumstance, be grateful!” Paqueta said alongside the picture as he reads a passage from the Bible about ‘Living in contentment’.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to adapt to any and all circumstances,” reads the passage the Hammers playmaker has highlighted.
“I know what it is to be in need and I know what abundance is. I have learned the secret of being content in any and all circumstances, whether well fed, hungry but having plenty, or in need. Philippians 4:11-13.”
Paqueta not the only Hammers star to miss Arsenal
Paqueta is not the only Hammers star who will miss the game.
Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio are both working on their recoveries from long-term injuries.
Brilliant winger Crysencio Summerville is out until April after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem.
And Vladimir Coufal will also miss the Arsenal game after being ruled out for at least 10 days.
Without Paqueta, West Ham will likely play Carlos Soler in his position.
Although the Spaniard had his worst game in a West Ham shirt during defeat to Brentford last time out.
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