Lucas Paquetá’s last 15 months have been nothing short of a nightmare. The West Ham United midfielder is currently embroiled in a potential betting scandal, with investigations dating back to August 2023.
Charged with serious allegations, Paquetá could face a lifetime ban from football if found guilty.
On the pitch, his form has plummeted. Pundits have been quick to highlight how far the Brazilian has fallen from the high standards he set last season.
His performances for West Ham this term have been dismal, leaving fans and analysts baffled.
It’s no surprise, really. Playing with such a dark cloud hanging over his head must be mentally draining. Paquetá urgently needs clarity on his future, one way or another, to move forward.
Now, just as he might have thought things couldn’t get worse, Paquetá has been dealt another significant blow.
Paquetá Dropped for Brazil’s Clash with Venezuela
According to Brazilian outlet Torcedor, Paquetá won’t start for Brazil in their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. Instead, Dorival Junior has opted to give Gerson the nod.
This setback follows Paquetá’s absence in Brazil’s last game, a resounding 4-0 victory over Peru, due to suspension.
Despite his recent struggles, he was still called up for the national team’s crucial fixtures against Venezuela and Uruguay.
However, being benched tonight will undoubtedly sting. For a player already battling off-field issues and poor form, this latest setback is another dent in his confidence.
Paquetá’s exclusion might be deserved based on his recent performances, but the timing couldn’t be worse. His morale is already at rock bottom, and this decision will only deepen his frustration.
In truth, I was surprised he made the squad given his form.