Pellegrini responds to suggestions Arsenal loanee refused to come on

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has denied claims that on-loan forward Lucas Perez refused to come on as a sub against Everton.

Footage on TV appeared to show the Arsenal loanee being asked to warm up by Pellegrini, but seemingly refusing to do so.

“Maybe it looks and you can think he refuses,” Pellegrini told Sky Sports following the match.

“When Arnautovic was injured, I called him because he was making his warm-up, but when he was back sitting on the bench and Antonio was working I called him because he was ready.

“I don’t have any problem with the player.”

Perez arrived at Arsenal for £17million in 2016 from Deportivo but made just 11 league appearances, eventually moving to the Hammers on loan in the summer.

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