13 hours ago
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West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo says Lucas Paqueta will start Sunday's Premier League game at Brighton after serving a one-match ban.
Paqueta was suspended for the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford after his rant at referee Darren England during the home loss to Liverpool, which led to him being yellow carded twice in the same incident.
The 28-year-old then sarcastically applauded England as he was leaving the field. He later put a statement on social media saying his actions were a result of the long-running spot-fixing investigation launched against him by the FA in 2024 that ended this summer with Paqueta being cleared of all charges.
Nuno said earlier this week that the midfielder was still affected by the investigation and was "suffering, disappointed and upset" following his red card.
The FA decided not to punish Paqueta further for the Liverpool incident, meaning he is free to play against Brighton, with Nuno confirming the Brazilian will get an immediate recall.
"He is going to play," said the West Ham boss.
Asked if this would be from the start, Nuno replied: "Yes,", adding he has no fears the situation will occur again.
"It is in the past. 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."
West Ham's draw at Old Trafford means they have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches.
It is a sharp improvement on their opening nine games when they picked up just four points.
However, Leeds' shock win against Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday means West Ham have dropped back into the relegation zone.
Nuno admits the club are in a fight to preserve their top flight future, which dates back to 2012.
"We cannot avoid it, it is a reality," he said.
"We have to face it. We are fighting for survival. We cannot hide it. We cannot control the results of other teams. It is up to us."
Nuno revealed wide-man Crysencio Summerville could be available for the trip to Brighton after recovering from a knock that has kept him out of West Ham's last three games, while teenage defender Ollie Scarles sees a specialist on 8 December when it is hoped he will be cleared for a return to contact training after he broke a collar bone in October.
