Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has reiterated that Aladji Bamba is making progress in training, but the 20-year-old remains some way from forcing his way into the starting line-up.
Bamba joined the club from Monaco in a £34.5million deal over the summer, yet he has been limited to just 27 minutes of competitive football this season. With only two midfield slots available in Jaissle's 4-2-3-1 formation, the Frenchman is arguably seventh choice in that area of the pitch.
High competition in midfield
The competition for places includes Nico Gonzalez, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Sean Steur, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock. Jaissle has also indicated that he wants to establish a settled starting XI and is reluctant to rotate too often, particularly through the 'spine' of the team.
Asked whether Bamba could feature for the under-21s against Sunderland at St James' Park on Monday, Jaissle dismissed the suggestion.
"First of all, he was also with the national team and that helped and that helps, for sure, the young lads as well if they are getting minutes. He is progressing. In the midfield we have such a high competition," Jaissle told Chronicle Live.
Physical adaptation
"Especially on the spine in the squad or in the starting XI, you are not willing to change a lot. You want to have a structure and you want to give confidence and stabilisation to the team and it is a little bit the same with Sean Steur."
Jaissle added: "We see progress and he was not aware of the physicality of the Premier League in the beginning but he is getting there now. That is a good thing, that is a good sign because he is also working hard in the training sessions. We are pleased with him and let's see if there is also time the young lads can play minutes with the under-21s. For now, it is not planned."
