West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen and key playmaker Lucas Paqueta are doubts for Monday night’s game versus Newcastle, according to the Claret & Hugh.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui is under massive pressure heading into the match at St James’ Park, with reports suggesting that he needs results against the Magpies and Arsenal to keep his job.

That task would be made even harder if Bowen and Paqueta do miss the fixture this evening with unspecified injuries.

Lopetegui is already without Mohammed Kudus (due to suspension) and Niclas Fullkrug (who has an Achilles injury), which means the Hammers’ attack could be seriously depleted.

It has been confirmed by Lopetegui that two West Ham players are struggling with their fitness

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, the Irons boss revealed that there was a “little problem with two players”.

However, when pressed for an answer on who he was speaking about, Lopetegui refused to name them, which prompted more speculation. Claret & Hugh believe that Bowen and Paqueta are the two he was talking about.

Who could replace the pair against Newcastle?

With Kudus also absent, Bowen’s injury could hand an unlikely opportunity to Luis Guilherme. The teenager was signed from Palmeiras for £25.5m in the summer transfer window but he has only played 11 minutes of football since his arrival at the London Stadium. Lopetegui did send him on as a substitute against Everton last time out so he would be a candidate for the right wing.

In terms of Paqueta’s replacement, Carlos Soler would be the logical choice. The Spanish international has not been selected as a starter in his best position for a league game yet so this could present an opportunity for him to impress.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here