Manchester City need to start trimming their squad and some players at the Club World Cup made fewer appearances than others
Oscar Bobb with Matheus Nunes and Ruben Dias
Oscar Bobb with Matheus Nunes and Ruben Dias
Everyone at Manchester City who made the Club World Cup squad passed the first transfer test of the summer as Pep Guardiola culled a number of players early. Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips were among those told not to travel, while no academy players were given an indication that they could be part of the first team plans this year.
Guardiola was also clear that more will have to go though. He cannot have a squad as big as 27 and stressed amid players expressing their happiness to stay that they may not be so committed if they are being left out of matchdays.
City's manager has kept his vow that everyone would play at the summer tournament, but some have been used more than others. Only three of the 27 failed to start a single game before the Blues were unceremoniously sent packing: Marcus Bettinelli, John Stones, and Oscar Bobb.
As third-choice keeper, Bettinelli would not expect to play - especially given the role of his predecessor. Scott Carson only played in two games in six years, and they were effectively dead rubbers.
John Stones was back in training at the beginning of the tournament yet hasn't played any football since February after a year to forget with injuries. It isn't clear when he will be back, although City will be cautious after attempts to rush him last season backfired.
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Bobb has had to work his way back from an injury that ruined his entire campaign, yet he is over the worst. The 21-year-old made his City return in May and then went on international duty with Norway before linking up with City.
He has played in two games, although he was unused against Al Hilal. His talent is not under question either, given how his teammates value him and remember that magnificent winning goal against Newcastle that helped the team to make history with a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Nevertheless, Bobb looks to be at the back of an attacking pack that has expanded in the last six months. Omar Marmoush, Claudio Echeverri, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki have all joined the club in the calendar year, adding to Ilkay Gundogan, Savinho, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden pushing for starts in the positions where Bobb can play.
It would be unpopular to consider letting Bobb leave, but when he sees ten players in front of him for his positions how realistic is it to think he can beat those odds? If he is in the bottom three of a 27-man squad, how regularly could he make the 20-man selections that is all the Premier League will allow.
Bobb is a fighter, with the Norwegian having already pledged his desire to stay this season. He wouldn't be in the squad if he didn't think he could compete with the best.
After so few opportunities at the Club World Cup though, Bobb may have to consider that City are making his decision for him in the time remaining in the transfer window.
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