West Ham United have been handed a huge injury boost concerning Lucas Paqueta.

What's the latest?

That's according to Ben Dinnery, with the injury analyst revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, after missing the Hammers' last four fixtures in all competitions due to a shoulder injury, the Brazil international could finally be in line to make a return to first-team football against FCSB on Thursday night.

Regarding the 25-year-old's current condition, Dinnery said: "Everything that we know, up until this point, indicates that he should be very close for Thursday. If not, then we're maybe looking at Sunday."

Big boost

Considering just how important a part of David Moyes' first-team squad Paqueta has already proven himself to be following his £51m move to east London this summer, Dinnery's claim that the playmaker could be available for selection against FCSB on Thursday, and if not for the visit of Crystal Palace on Sunday, is great news for the 59-year-old manager.

Indeed, over his six Premier League appearances so far this season, the £45.5m-rated talent has highly impressed, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots - the most in the Irons' squad - making 0.3 key passes and completing an average of 0.5 dribbles per game.

The £150k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and winning 4.7 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.90, currently ranking him as the Hammers' joint sixth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the return of Paqueta ahead of the Europa Conference League meeting with FCSB or the Premier League meeting with Palace this weekend will come as a huge boost to Moyes, as the 34-cap international has already proven himself to be an influential part of the Irons' first team squad this season.