Lucas Paqueta faces a long suspension. This is after he was hit with six FA charges in May. Four of this center around yellow cards the Brazilian is alleged to have picked up intentionally. The other two charges relate to allegations of not complying with the FA investigation.
At the Copa America, the 26-year-old is still awaiting a hearing date but is currently playing.
Paqueta scored, claimed an assist and missed a penalty in Brazil’s 4-1 win over Paraguay recently in Las Vegas.
Tim Steidten, technical director of West Ham visited the playmaker on a trip to Brazil before to the Copa America starting last June.
Lopetegui can only be thankful that Lucas Paqueta at least appeared happy on the pitch at Allegiant Stadium.
Lopetegui said that they know he and his family are suffering a lot. They are looking forward to him being here with us. They are his family in England and they are going to take care of him. He liked it when he saw him smiling in the last match because he was enjoying playing football.
The FA has told West Ham that Paqueta will be free to play until the conclusion of his case, according to Steidten.
For the moment, Lopetegui said he was crossing his fingers over the fitness of Edson Alvarez, influential midfielder.
On June 22, the Mexico captain suffered a serious hamstring injury in his country’s opening Copa America game against Jamaica.
For the first part of his rehabilitation work, he has stayed with his national team in the United States. He will return to England for the remainder.
Lopetegui said they are crossing their fingers. They suffered a big injury with Edson. It is not good news for him and them because he is an important player.
