West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paqueta will make an immediate return to the starting line-up for this weekend's crucial Premier League fixture.
Straight back into the team
The Brazilian midfielder served a one-match suspension after being sent off during last Sunday's match against Liverpool. He received two yellow cards for dissent, leading to his dismissal.
Despite his absence, West Ham managed to secure a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United in midweek. However, Nuno has made it clear he will alter his team to reinstate the influential playmaker for the trip to face Brighton on Sunday, 7th December 2025.
Manager's confidence after 'meltdown'
Nuno expressed full confidence that the incident at Anfield, which he described as a "meltdown," will not be repeated. He revealed that the issue has been addressed internally and that Paqueta has accepted his mistake.
"He is going to play," the manager stated definitively. "It is in the past. I am positive it will not happen again because he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated."
Following the red card, Paqueta took to social media to voice frustrations, claiming he had received no psychological support during a challenging two-year period. This timeframe coincided with him facing Football Association betting charges and the looming threat of a lengthy ban.
Relegation battle and squad news
The manager also provided an update on winger Crysencio Summerville, who has been sidelined through injury. "Crysencio hopefully returns soon," Nuno said. "We miss him. We know what he gives to the team."
Nuno did not shy away from addressing West Ham's precarious league position. The team dropped back into the relegation zone on Wednesday after Leeds United's victory over Chelsea.
"We cannot avoid it. It is a reality. We have to face it," he admitted. "We are fighting for survival. We cannot hide it. The results of other teams we cannot control. It is up to us."
The return of Paqueta is seen as a major boost for the Hammers as they look to climb out of the bottom three with a positive result on the south coast this Sunday.
