West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui says he and Lucas Paqueta “don’t talk” about the gambling charges and possible suspension facing the midfielder.
The 27-year-old was charged by the Football Association in May for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market” and is facing a lengthy ban if found guilty.
Paqueta has struggled to make an impact since Lopetegui took charge of the Hammers following the departure of David Moyes, with his only goal involvement coming via a penalty in their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.
The drawn-out nature of the FA’s disciplinary process means the Brazil international is likely to be available to play for much of this campaign.
“I’m happy with his behaviour and his commitment,” Lopetegui said. “He’s working very hard, he’s trying to understand what we want. We’re trying to help him to be better and better. He’s an important player.
“I don’t want to put this kind of responsibility on one player. He has to do the best he can about the offensive phase and defensive phase.
“When he is focused on the defensive work he is a much better player and we try to encourage him to always be focused in a defensive way as well as an offensive way.
“We don’t talk about [the charges]. We talk about football, about the next match and about life. But not about this.”
West Ham host Chelsea on Saturday and are yet to pick up a point at London Stadium having lost to Villa and defending champions Manchester City.