Southampton manager Will Still has shed light on why Joe Aribo is yet to make an appearance for the club this season.
Following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, speculation surrounded Aribo’s future, with interest from Rangers and Besiktas reportedly on the table. However, no transfer materialised, and the Nigerian midfielder remained at St Mary’s — missing much of the team’s pre-season preparations in the process.
Aribo’s absence from the matchday squad has puzzled many fans, especially given Southampton’s recent struggles in the Championship, where they’ve picked up just one win in their last five matches and currently sit 16th on the table with 12 points from ten games.
Addressing the situation, Will Still explained the selection dilemma and the fierce competition within his squad.
“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,” Still told the Daily Echo.
“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 we have to make.”
The young Belgian manager admitted that leaving experienced players out was far from easy:
“I’m just trying to stay as honest and as level as I can with everyone, and they’re crap decisions, mate. But you’ve got to make them, and that’s what we’re doing for the moment.”
Still also hinted that Aribo’s lack of game time comes down to tactical decisions and the team’s depth in attacking midfield positions.
With the Saints struggling to find consistency, fans are calling for Aribo’s inclusion — hoping his creativity and Premier League experience can help turn their season around.
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