The likelihood is that, as West Ham United prepare to host Sunderland on Saturday, two of Callum Wilson, James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta will be absent from Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
James Ward-Prowse has not even been part of a matchday squad since Nuno was appointed as Graham Potter’s replacement in September. So should his name fail to appear on the team sheet at 11.15am on Saturday morning, well let’s just say there would be a greater intake of breath of Ward-Prowse’s name did appear.
Clearly, the England international is not part of Nuno’s plans.
In the age of set-pieces, why aren’t West Ham making more of James Ward-Prowse?! 👀
He was getting David Beckham comparisons at one point!
Photo by Michael Reaves – Premier League/Getty Images for Premier League
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The same could not be said of Lucas Paqueta. Ideally, the manager would like him to stay.
With negotiations over a return to Brazil ongoing, though Nuno confirms that West Ham United will be without their premier playmaker for the third match running when Regis Le Bris’ team come to town.
The head coach was a little less forthcoming when discussing the future of Callum Wilson.
But after Hammers insider Sean Whetstone reported that David Sullivan will refuse to sanction Wilson’s departure, last week’s matchwinner could be called upon to make another key contribution against Sunderland.
Nuno Espirito Santo says Callum Wilson available as West Ham United host Sunderland
Nuno did little to dispel the rumours surrounding Callum Wilson moments after he tapped home a 93rd minute decider in that 2-1 win away at Tottenham. But with the board putting their foot down and insisting that the 33-year-old poacher stay put, Wilson is one exit-linked Hammer who will at least have a place on the bench this weekend.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
“Callum gave us the winning goal in a match that we consider so important, especially for our fans,” Nuno said during his press conference on Thursday lunchtime. “It was beautiful to see. I’m happy to take those three points.
“Callum is an option. We know what Callum can do. He’s working and he’s available. He is an important player.
“You never know what’s going to happen! The transfer window is open so many surprises can happen. [But] the players in the building, we are counting on them. “The same [with Ward-Prowse].
“He’s with us. He’s been with us. I was being very honest and very direct with James regarding the situation. Now, he’s with us. So anything, rumours, it’s not what takes care of our minds. We know that the players who are here are going to be very important.”
Nuno was pressed further on reports claiming Burnley could offer Ward-Prowse a lifeline before the month is out. Would West Ham really sell a player, albeit an out-of-favour player, to a direct relegation rival?
“You are talking about rumours!” Nuno hit back. “Rumours are noise! Rumours are not something for us to address. When there’s something real, we will address it. What can I say about rumours?
“Me and James, we had conversations, we are clear. James is here. He worked today. I don’t waste time on rumours. I don’t waste time on speculation because it doesn’t mean anything.”
What CHANGES would you make to our West Ham v Sunderland combined XI? ⚒️ v 🐈⬛
Brobbey over Taty? Fernandes over Le Fee?
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Lucas Paqueta ruled out of latest Premier League clash
The Paqueta situation, though, is more than mere speculation.
Flamengo’s technical director Jose Boto confirmed on Wednesday that Paqueta ‘really wants’ to re-join his old Brazilian employers. He went on to admit, though, that West Ham still have serious reservations about selling one of the few players in Nuno’s squad capable of turning a match on a sixpence.
A player Nuno will be without against Sunderland.
“The situation is the same as last week. We hope that the club and Lucas find a solution,” explains the former Tottenham, Wolves and Nottingham Forest coach. “You know my opinion about Lucas.
“For this game against Sunderland, he’s not going to be in the squad. We have to deal day-by-day with the Lucas situation. All the things that happened in the past have created so many problems individually. I hope Lucas and the club find a solution so we can move forward in that issue.”
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