Mike Jackson believes Axel Tuanzebe could have made a difference for Burnley had he not been beset by injury problems.
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When Burnley must announce their retained list and who could be about to leave](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/when-burnley-must-announce-their-retained-list-and-who-could-be-about-to-leave-8639288 "When Burnley must announce their retained list and who could be about to leave")
The 28-year-old finished the season by making just 16 appearances for the Clarets, following his summer move from Ipswich Town.
Having been unavailable at the turn of the year due to being away at the African Cup of Nations, the centre-back also missed a big chunk of game time with an Achilles problem.
But the former Manchester United defender was brought back in from the cold towards the end of the campaign, starting the last three games under Burnley’s interim boss.
And Jackson believes if Tuanzebe had been more readily available, he could have struck up a lasting partnership with Maxime Esteve.
"I think he's been really strong,” he said. “He's worked well with Maxi.
"He's going to the World Cup...but he’s come in after not being available enough for us this season. That's disappointing because I think he can make a difference with his profile that he's got in the Premier League.”
Tuanzebe played the last three games of the season under Jackson. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttardplaceholder image
Tuanzebe played the last three games of the season under Jackson. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
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Tuanzebe’s future remains uncertain as his contract is due to expire this summer.
The DR Congo international, who will be jetting off to North America shortly for the World Cup, left Ipswich at the end of last season to remain in the Premier League.
With the Clarets being relegated back to the Championship, it remains to be seen if Tuanzebe wants to help them get promoted or seek another club in the top flight.
He joins the likes of Martin Dubravka, Vaclav Hladky and Ashley Barnes who could all leave for free this summer.
“That's another one of the decisions that will be made at the end of the season,” Jackson said, when recently asked about Tuanzebe’s future.
Josh Laurent is also out of contract, but the Clarets hold the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
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