No mystery over Masuaku absence

A club insider has insisted that there is no mystery over the absence of Arthur Masuaku from the match day squad for Burnley.

Despite having no recognised left back replacement over the weekend Masuaku was missing from the bench again last Saturday leading to speculation he had fallen out with the manager. He was also missing from the match day squad against Newcastle United and Sheffield United at the London Stadium making his absence from the squad the third in a row.

Masuaku last appeared in the match day squad at Goodison Park during October when the Hammers lost 2-0 to Everton with the left back starting and playing the full ninety minutes.

Over the summer Masuaku has signed an extension to his contract with the Club until the summer of 2024 which surprised many.

Claret and Hugh have been informed there are no injury problems with Masuaku who is included in the international squad for DR Congo and likely to start against Gabon tonight. We have been told his exclusion from the match day squad is purely a manager selection decision based on form and tactics.