Issa Diop update

Issa Diop is not injured and was dropped for purely tactical reasons Claret and Hugh have learnt.

The 23-year-old travelled to Elland road but was a surprise absentee in the named squad losing his place on the bench.

Craig Dawson was named on the bench instead causing speculation that Diop was injured or suffered from a knock or strain in warm-up.

Diop remains match fit and available for selection and it was such the manager’s decision to include Dawson on the bench to make him feel important.

Moyes was set to clear the matter up in the post-match press conference but the question was not asked so it wasn’t discussed.

Diop has been sidelined since catching Covid, Fabian Balbuena took his place and has been in great form to keep Diop out of the starting line up.

Diop will be available for selection again on Wednesday when the Hammers face Crystal Palace at the London Stadium but is likely to be named on the bench again.