Monk Explains Tabanou Absence

Tabanou is one of his five main summer signings within the squad but against Newcastle he was not included in the squad at all. Monk has often talked about strength in depth and having a strong option in every position and with his summer signings he has created just that within his squad.

And that means that at times there will have to be some difficult decisions for him – as the manager – to be making when he makes his selections that he said earlier in the week will vary depending on the opposition that he is making the selections for.

Tabanou may return to the squad for today’s game at Sunderland but Monk was giving nothing away on that front when he spoke to the Evening Post

“Franck deserves to be in the squad, but I have a fully-fit squad and there are tough decisions to be made every week,” Monk said.

“There are players who deserve a role who will not be involved, and Franck is definitely one of them.

“I have been very happy with him, he has been working in a good way. There are improvements to make, of course, but he knows what I am looking for.

“I have brought him here to have a good future at this club and potentially he has everything to be a top full-back in the Premier League.

“He knows that, but that is an example of when you need to sit down and speak to a player. Unfortunately, there will be a small group who are not in matchday squads, but that is life as a footballer.”