West Ham concerned over Lucas Paqueta's 'state of mind'

West Ham United are reportedly concerned over Lucas Paqueta’s “state of mind” pending the verdict in his spot-fixing case.

The Hammers shares that the midfield star could be enduring, revealing that Paqueta is not in the right mental state to play, ruling him out of the rest of the season as he awaits the verdict in his betting-related case.

The Brazil midfield star has been charged by the FA over four counts of alleged spot-fixing related to deliberately picking up yellow cards in matches for betting purposes.

The former Lyon maestro has described the issue as a “nightmare” and now West Ham are worried he “may not be in a fit state of mind” to play again this season, according to The Telegraph.

Lucas Paqueta could receive a life-time ban if found guilty by the FA for alleged Spot-fixing charges(Image credit: Getty Images)

The 27-year-old couldn’t hold his tears after being booked during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, and it appears team-mates and club staff are concerned that his ability to compete is being hindered by the psychological impact the legal case is causing.

According to The Telegraph, top West Ham figures “believe consideration should be taken as to whether he should be rested”.

Paqueta has later expressed his frustration with how he feels “inaccurate press articles” are misleading people to rather believe in a false narrative to undermine his professionalism.

After the charges came to light, Paqueta released an angry statement saying: “I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case.

” Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position.

“I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.”

He added: “[I have] instructed my lawyers to write to The FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain.

“I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence.”

Indications are that, when found guilty, the FA could issue a lifetime ban for the Brazilian.

However, Paqueta maintains his innocence and has continued to receive full backing from West Ham.

The trial is unlikely to finish until at least the season end, so Paqueta continues to be caught in a dilemma for now.