Reece Oxford returned to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Gillingham today in a match organised to test right back Ryan Fredericks fitness after injury.
However, the former Fulham defender didn’t appear until the 17th minute and left the action before the end of the 90 sparking suggestions that Pablo Zabaleta is set to start against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend with Fredericks is expected to make the bench.
Perhaps more intriguing is whether – with the club and player keen for Oxford to move on – he has an outside chance of showing himself off to potential buyers after returning from a thigh injury.
He and fellow central defender Josh Pask performed particularly well against Gillingham today in what turned out to be a 2-1 win at the Priestfield Stadium with Nathan Holland also staking a claim for Saturday inclusion with a goal.
However, it seems unlikely Manuel Pellegrini could be involve Oxford, and should he decide either of Diop or Ogbonna are in need of a rest, than a return to central defence for Declan Rice would likely be on the cards.
Reece Oxford, Martin Samuelson and Nathan Holland were the three players I thought were destined for future greatness. All players I’ve enjoyed watching in the past. It will be a real shame if none of them get a chance under Pellegrini.
I think, from what we’ve seen, those young players good enough, and with the right attitude, will get a chance. I hope Holland becomes an able deputy for Anderson (and learns from him), with Diangana currently staking his claim for the right wing and Rice firmly ensconced in the centre of the park. It’s such a shame about Oxford, because I think we could benefit from a new central defender coming through. Hopefully Browne will come into his own and stake a claim up front too. I liked the look of Haksabanovic, but it looks like he won’t cut the mustard. Samuelson doesn’t appear to have kicked on as we’d all hoped, and Martinez seems to have a stinky attitude. I hope Cullen sees Charlton up, and returns ready to inherit from Noble. I think the future’s bright.