WEST HAM NEWS

Lucas Paqueta - Returns to training Paqueta participated in Wednesday's training session with his club.

Impact Paqueta is back after regularly starting for Brazil at the World Cup, making four appearances while scoring once and logging one assist in two knockout rounds. He had logged two assists in eight appearances before the tournament and if he can get into a rhythm, Paqueta is a worthy fantasy target.

DECEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Gianluca Scamacca - Ankle knock in friendly Scamacca was forced off early during Saturday's friendly against Fulham, Football.London reports.

Impact Scamacca came off during the 12th minute of this exhibition following a heavy challenge from Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira. Coaches added that, "He just rolled his ankle, so we are not quite sure, but we were not taking any chances." More information regarding the issue and his availability for a 26 December tilt against Arsenal should be forthcoming in the next several days.

DECEMBER 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Makes bench against Croatia Aguerd is in the match day squad to face Croatia on Saturday.

Impact Aguerd was always a doubt to start as he's not fully fit, but he is included in the Saturday's squad. It's unlikely he'll see the field, but technically is available if called upon.

DECEMBER 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Still not fully fit Aguerd isn't fully fit going into Saturday's third-place game against Croatia, according to manager Walid Regragui.

Impact Aguerd missed Wednesday's semifinal loss to France as he was a late scratch from the lineup. Going into the final game of an exceptional tournament, it seems unlikely Aguerd will be risked. This gives Achraf Dari and Jawad El Yamiq the inside track on starting.

DECEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Pulled from lineup Aguerd (thigh) has been removed from the starting XI and replaced by Achraf Dari, the FIFA site reports.

Impact Aguerd was slated to push through his injury, however, he decided to withdraw after warming up, making room for his teammate. He's on the bench.

DECEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - In starting XI Aguerd (thigh) will feature in the starting XI versus France on Wednesday.

Impact Aguerd racked up 12 clearances, four tackles (two won) and four interceptions in his previous four World Cup outings. Against the prolific French attack, Aguerd could be pressed into action defensively, which should require him to make a large number of clearances.

DECEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Training despite illness Aguerd (hamstring) has trained Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's semifinal against France despite an illness, according to RMC Sport.

Impact Aguerd dealt with a hamstring issue that forced him out of Saturday's win over Portugal but he's done well to put himself in contention. There are a few questions to determine for the back line by Wednesday, though Aguerd and Romain Saiss are the top two options while Jawad El Yamiq and Achraf Dari are available if needed.

DECEMBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - May play Wednesday Aguerd (thigh) is on the "right path" ahead of Wednesday's semifinal match against France, according to reporter Firzie A. Idris of Kompas.com.

Impact Aguerd missed Saturday's win over Portugal after picking up an injury late in the victory over Spain but may have enough time to recover for the biggest test yet. He or Jawad El Yamiq could start depending on how training goes by Wednesday.

DECEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Morocco's tactical masterplan ignites unlikely World Cup run

Morocco has defied expectations and broken down barriers by becoming the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals

DECEMBER 11, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Declan Rice hopes Gareth Southgate stays as England manager Declan Rice wants Gareth Southgate to remain in his position after the England boss said he needed time to consider his future following an...

DECEMBER 11, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Nayef Aguerd - Out for quarter-final Aguerd (thigh) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Portugal.

Impact This isn't too surprising for Aguerd, who suffered the injury late against Spain. He's one of two regulars missing on the back line for Morocco, which isn't a great start for Saturday's quarter-final. Jawad El Yamiq of Valladolid is getting the start in his place in a massive spot.

DECEMBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Ready to go Rice (illness) was a full participant in Friday's training session ahead of Saturday's quarterfinal against France, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Impact Rice had missed one training session due to illness but it was apparent after Thursday he'd likely be fit by the weekend. He's already started all four games and expect him to continue as the base of the midfield against tougher opponents.

DECEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Will be game-time call Aguerd (thigh) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's quarterfinal against Portugal, according to manager Walid Regragui via Hanif Ben Berkane of Foot Mercato.

Impact Aguerd was considered unlikely to play Saturday for much of the week but is now handed a slim chance by the manager. He's started in all four matches until now and could be replaced by Jawad El Yamiq if needed.

DECEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Paul Nevin: The West Ham coach Gareth Southgate recruited for England Paul Nevin was recruited by Gareth Southgate again to help with coaching in Qatar. This explains why...

DECEMBER 9, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Declan Rice - Back in training Rice (illness) has returned to training, teammate Kalvin Phillips told reporters Thursday ahead of Saturday's match against France. "Yes. But I believe Dec (Rice) is fit anyway. H...

Impact Rice did miss Wednesday's session but didn't take long to return. If he ends up not fit enough to start for the quarterfinal, Kalvin Phillips is the most similar profile to Rice in the side as a defensive-midfielder with a good passing range.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Unlikely to play against Portugal Aguerd (thigh) is considered unlikely to play in Saturday's quarterfinal match against Portugal, according to Hanif Ben Berkane of Footmercato.

Impact Aguerd picked up the injury late into the win over Spain on penalties. As muscular injuries need a week or longer to recover at the least, he could return narrowly if Morocco can advance. In the absence of Aguerd, Jawad El Yamiq is a good candidate to start.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice - Misses training due to illness Rice missed Wednesday's training session due to illness ahead of Saturday's match against France, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Impact Rice has made two substitute appearances in four games so his absence wouldn't be the most impactful event. He still has plenty of time before the quarterfinals and illnesses have travelled around a few different national teams so he'll hope his own sickness doesn't spread.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Tomas Soucek - Misses friendly as precaution Soucek was absent from Tuesday's friendly as a precaution, according to assistant coach Mark Warburton. "Tomas trained well yesterday but I think he woke up with a stiff back, so s...

Impact Soucek scored one goal and logged one assist in 15 league starts before the World Cup, so he'll be a reliable asset when the Boxing Day clash with Arsenal comes around. This injury isn't considered a major issue, so expect him to be ready by then.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Aaron Cresswell - Leaves early into friendly Cresswell picked up a hamstring injury early into Tuesday's friendly against Cambridge United, according to assistant coach Mark Warburton. "Cressy tonight, it's a cold night, he f...

Impact Cresswell was quite busy during the first half of the season, creating 30 chances in 14 league starts. So long as the injury is minor, Cresswell has plenty of time to return before the league does in late-December.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Maxwel Cornet - Minor issue after friendly Cornet had a "small reaction" that caused him to miss Tuesday's friendly against Cambridge United, according to assistant coach Mark Warburton. "Cornet got a reaction, just a small...

Impact Cornet missed much of the first half of the season with muscular injuries and will hope to be better off in 2023. He has two chances to face London teams left in 2022 against Arsenal and Brentford.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lucas Paqueta - Scores in win over South Korea Paqueta scored a goal off two shots (both on target), created three chances and made two tackles (both won) during Monday's 4-1 win over South Korea.

Impact Paqueta had his best performance at this World Cup, being heavily involved in the build-up of plays while also stepping into the box to finish them. In the 36th minute, the midfielder scored his side's fourth goal with an one-timer after a cross from the left flank. This was the first career FWC for Paqueta, who will try to keep up with the strong play during Friday's quarterfinal against Croatia.

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nayef Aguerd - Walks off limping Aguerd was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq in the 84th minute of Tuesday's match against Spain due to injury.

Impact Aguerd didn't look comfortable when walking off the pitch, which could be a bad sign for an otherwise strong defensive unit. He'll hope to be back by Saturday's quarterfinal if his team can advance without him.

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rice says World Cup rivals 'should fear England' ahead of France clash Declan Rice has said that other countries “should be starting to fear us now” ahead of England’s quarter-final against France on Saturday. E...

DECEMBER 5, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Lucas Paqueta - Quiet in group stage starts Paqueta has created two chances across his two appearances (120 minutes combined) at the World Cup so far.

Impact Paqueta has been forced to play a slightly more defensive role than he is used to simply due to Brazil's litany of attacking options. It will be interesting to see whether this changes for the knockout rounds and if he's able to play a little further forward, especially if Neymar (ankle) still isn't 100 percent fit.

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Declan Rice reveals why England should be feared at the World Cup Declan Rice says there’s no reason for other countries not to fear England at the World Cup.

DECEMBER 2, 2022 • KANSASCITY.COM