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West Ham's Paqueta could face Newcastle as betting hearing looms / Photo: © AFP
West Ham's Paqueta could face Newcastle as betting hearing looms
West Ham manager Graham Potter said Friday that forward Lucas Paqueta is focused on getting back on the pitch despite a Football Association hearing into alleged spot-fixing hanging over him.
The Brazil international is alleged to have deliberately got himself booked four times in Premier League matches for betting purposes.
Reports this week said the disciplinary case against him would begin later this month and could last three weeks.
The Football Association is reported to be pushing for a lifetime ban for Paqueta if he is found guilty.
The 27-year-old denies the charges and has vowed to "fight with every breath" to clear his name.
Potter said Paqueta, who is currently free to play for both club and country, could be available for Monday's match against Newcastle after rolling an ankle in training last month.
"He is fine. Obviously he has been disappointed because he has missed a couple of games with his injury," Potter said.
"But he has worked really hard to get back on the pitch. He has trained well this week. I have found him absolutely no problem whatsoever. Since we have been here, he has always given his best in training and the games.
"The other stuff is out of my hands, out of my control, but in terms of how he is every day, he has been really, really good."
J.Lim--SG
