Lucas Paqueta will not play in West Ham’s rematch with Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League second leg.
The West Ham player knew going into the quarterfinal match that he would be suspended for the second leg at the London Stadium the following week due to a booking he received in Germany.
He went in hard on Amine Adli during the first half at the Bay Arena, and unfortunately for the Hammers, that is exactly what transpired.
For his challenge, Paqueta received a quick booking; the VAR even looked into whether it should have resulted in a red card.
Despite not being sent off, the midfield player already knows he will not be there for the second leg, which takes place at the London Stadium on Thursday.
This season, Paqueta has been one of West Ham’s standout players, tallying eight goals and dishing out seven assists across all competitions.
David Moyes would be irritated at the thought of playing the decisive game without one of his most important players, especially as Xabi Alonso’s team will be a tough test.
