West Ham worried Lucas Paqueta 'may not be in fit state of mind' to play again this season as he braces for verdict in spot-fixing case

The Brazil midfielder has been charged by the FA over four counts of alleged spot-fixing related to deliberately picking up yellow cards in matches for betting purposes. He has called the ordeal a "nightmare" and now West Ham are worried he "may not be in a fit state of mind" to play again this season - as per The Telegraph.

Paqueta burst into tears after being booked during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur and it appears team-mates and club staff are concerned that his ability to play is being impaired by the stress and anxiety the legal case is causing. According to The Telegraph, senior West Ham figures "believe consideration should be taken as to whether he should be rested".

After the charges came to light, Paqueta released an angry statement saying: "I am frustrated and upset to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case. Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position. I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are clearly sourced from an individual close to the case."

He added: "[I have] instructed my lawyers to write to The FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain. I continue to deny the charges against me and look forward to demonstrating my innocence."

It has been reported that should Paqueta be found guilty, the FA is leaning towards issuing a lifetime ban for the Brazilian star. However, he maintains his innocence and has continued to receive full backing from West Ham. The trial is unlikely to finish until at least June, so Paqueta continues to be in limbo for now.