Sakho: The truth!

Exclusive

Diafra Sakho’s absence from the team against Sunderland came as a result of him not being picked for the starting X1.

The player believed himself fit and ready to play  but manager Slaven Bilic wanted to offer him a place on the bench rather than give him his first start of the season.

And the striker – who has been begging to make his claim in the struggling team for weeks – made it clear that wasn’t good enough and once again was involved in a fall-out with the boss.

We  received the information after it became clear that there was a mystery surrounding the front man’s absence after Bilic had indicated earlier in the week the player should be available for the game.

Sakho and Bilic have a difficult history after a breakdown in the relationship which saw the player miss the close season tour following bust up after he was left out of the game against Arsenal.

That led to a failed medical at West Brom, further injuries this season, an operation and a gruelling recovery programme from which the player believes he has now emerged and is ready for action.

However, a source claimed there had been a fall out when Sakho was not picked and had then declared himself injured and unable to go on the bench.