'It is over' - Nuno Espirito Santo stands firm on West Ham's problem player ahead of Brighton
Brighton vs West Ham this Sunday at the Amex Stadium - 2pm
Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed Lucas Paqueta will slot straight back into West Ham’s starting line-up after serving a one-match ban for last weekend’s silly red card.
The 28-year-old missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United after being shown two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.
Paqueta apologised to his West Ham team-mates and boss Nuno for that sending-off, with the Brazil international set to return to the side in Sunday’s trip to Brighton.
“Yes, he is going to play,” Nuno said. “Yes (from the start).”
Asked if he had any concerns about what happened in the Liverpool game, the Hammers boss said: “I already spoke about that. It is in the past.
Nuno: Paqueta will not do it again
“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.”
Paqueta had a Football Association investigation into spot-fixing allegations hanging over him for two years after he was accused of getting booked deliberately for betting purposes before being cleared of the charges in July.
The playmaker took to social media to criticise the FA for not providing him with “psychological support” following his red card against Liverpool.
Your next Albion read: Brighton vs West Ham team and injury news: Four out and four doubts