Southampton manager Will Still has revealed that Joe Aribo has seen his minutes limited this season due to the high level of competition in the squad, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles midfielder was an integral part of the team last season, featuring 32 times in the league and 37 times in all competitions, although the Saints suffered relegation into the second tier.
The Nigerian international was subject of intense transfer speculation in the summer, with several clubs expressing their interest in his signature.
Aribo also missed the entire preseason action for the club due to uncertainty surrounding his future, but was unable to secure any move.
Southampton have played 10 matches in the EFL Championships this season, but the 29-year-old is yet to make a single match-day squad.
The Saints have only won two of their league matches this season, recording six draws and two defeats as they remain 16th on the standings.
Still gives verdict on Aribo’s absence
It is now 10 league games into the season, with Aribo yet to feature at all for the Saints this season.
They were held to a goalless draw by Swansea City at the St Mary’s Stadium this past weekend, their sixth draw of the season.
Speaking in an interview, Will Still, who joined the club in the summer as a replacement for Ivan Juric, gave his reasons for the Nigerian midfielder’s absence from the team.
“They [Joe Aribo and Samuel Edozie] are still with us, but they’ve missed a whole chunk of pre-season, and we have to be fair and honest with everyone”, the Saints boss said.
“Who are you taking out? Are you going to say to Leo [Scienza], Tom Fellows, Finn [Azaz] or Jay Robinson, you’re out because Sam Edozie’s back in?
“They’re just choices that we have to make. I’m just trying to stay as honest and as level as I can with everyone, and they’re crap decisions, mate”, Will Still added.
“But you’ve got to make them, and that’s what we’re doing for the moment.”
