West Ham go to Leicester City in the Premier League on Tuesday night for a game that could have big ramifications for Julen Lopetegui.
After West Ham’s dismal 5-2 defeat to Arsenal, Julen Lopetegui is now facing must win games against Leicester and Wolves.
If the Spaniard loses to the Foxes and Wolves then he will likely be sacked.
That’s after West Ham’s owners described the two games as ‘massive’.
One big positive for the Hammers is the fact Mohammed Kudus finally returns at the King Power.
The star boy has missed West Ham’s last five Premier League games through suspension.
It has showed too – apart from in that shock win at Newcastle, which now looks suspiciously like a one-of after West Ham reverted to type against the Gunners.
The return of Kudus offset the fact West Ham are losing another top talent for the game in Lucas Paqueta.
Although the fact the Brazilian has been so hot and cold raises the question just how big a miss he would actually be.
Unexpected Paqueta twist on eve of West Ham vs Leicester
The midfielder has been a big doubt for the Hammers’ trip to face Leicester.
Because he is required to give evidence to the Sports Betting CPI – The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry – in Brazil.
Paqueta has been appealing demands for him to attend in person and pleading for the inquiry to be delayed.
There was a small win when West Ham were told he could appear via Zoom.
But the West Ham ace and his advisors wanted the inquiry pushed back as they have serious concerns it could jeopardise his FA hearing here in the UK.
His lawyers filed an official appeal request to postpone his testimony on the grounds that it could harm his defence in his FA case.
The next hearing was scheduled for tomorrow, when West Ham play away at Leicester.
So it looked certain Paqueta would miss that game for the Hammers.
But an unexpected Paqueta twist has been announced on the eve of the crunch West Ham clash with Leicester and it could be huge.
Brazilian’s availability could be huge for must-win clash
Paqueta was excellent at Newcastle last week – arguably playing his best game of the year.
But he was terrible against Arsenal, costing the Hammers at least two of the five goals.
Many fans hoped to see Kudus played in a more central role in his absence, so that Crysencio Summerville can stay in the side.
However, there is good news for Lopetegui – and bad news for Summerville – after an update from an Evening Standard reporter.
Dom Smith says Paqueta is now no longer required to miss the Foxes match to give evidence.
“I understand Lucas Paqueta is no longer required to give evidence to the Brazilian parliament for their inquiry into sports betting,” Smith said.
“He won’t be summoned in person, nor via video link. Available to face Leicester tomorrow.”
On paper West Ham should be looking to fill their boots at Leicester.
They are one of three clubs who have conceded more goals than the Hammers this season.
But Leicester may present a difficult challenge as they play their first game with new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dugout.
As a result the Foxes will undoubtedly be fired up for the game.
Now it gives Lopetegui some big decisions to make for a game which could go a long way to deciding his future at the club.
Ironically against a manager in Van Nistelrooy, who was being linked as his potential replacement at the London Stadium just over of a week ago.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
