West Ham United are thankfully into the final phase of this tumultuous season. The Hammers have avoided relegation but will be desperate to end the campaign positively.
West Ham are winless in their last eight games and desperately need to turn a corner soon before a pivotal summer transfer window.
Those plans have not been helped by the uncertainty surrounding the Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing case.
According to The Telegraph, West Ham are considering whether to involve Paqueta in the final three games of the season.
The psychological weight of his ongoing FA betting case appears to be taking a visible toll on the Brazilian midfielder.
The club was reportedly concerned during the 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur when Paqueta broke down in tears after being booked for a challenge on Spurs youngster Mikey Moore.
Captain Jarrod Bowen and referee Michael Oliver quickly consoled him, and manager Graham Potter substituted him minutes after the incident.
Paqueta is fine in the dressing room, but the episode alarmed senior figures at the club, who now question whether the 27-year-old is in the right frame of mind to continue playing.
The FA investigation has dragged on since August 2023. It resumed last week and is expected to conclude shortly.
A verdict may take up to five weeks, with a potential separate hearing if Paqueta is found guilty. The FA has reportedly recommended a lifetime ban.
Despite the club publicly backing Paqueta and his professionalism in training, his form has fluctuated, and the mental strain has been evident.
Potter must now consider whether to drop Paqueta for West Ham’s final dead-rubber fixtures against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich Town.
Potter should drop Paqueta now – View
With a ban looking imminent, Potter should plan for life without Paqueta before they can bring a replacement this summer.
Resting Paqueta, whom former manager David Moyes labelled terrific and a maverick, allows the team to adapt tactically and mentally to his absence.
There is little point relying on a player who may never wear the claret and blue again.