Ryan Fredericks took a knock on the training pitch during the week ahead of the Everton game and was never in consideration for the match as a result.
Amid all the selection surprises few might have noticed that the free signing from Fulham was not even in the squad but the situation was cleared up by a club insider talking to ClaretandHugh by phone.
He said: “He’s not had a lot of luck since he joined us and this was another blow but he took a knock and that ruled him out.”
Against speedy Everton wing men and with the manager wanting the full backs to play high, Fredericks would probably been a better option than Zaba given his speed and ability to get back.
However, despite that the 26 year old may be a victim of being in the wrong club at the wrong time with Zaba still very much a Pellegrini favourite and academy product Ben Johnson emerging as a contender for the position.
We understand that the manager is determined to do everything possible to persuade Zaba to agree to another contract after making 24 appearances this season.
Although based on the abject performance at the weekend this is a funny time of year where anything can happen and hopefully we can get some unexpected results. We have done well against the top 6 and they are all under pressure that we are not.
Our season has been defined by injuries.fabianski,Diop and Rice apart the rest has been a crippling list of injuries to key players.Its no wonder we have had such a Jekyll and Hyde season.