Ikpeba sheds light on Bassey’s reduced minutes at Fulham
Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba believes Calvin Bassey’s recent spells on the bench at Fulham are more about managing his workload than any dip in performance.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigerian defender has yet to reclaim a starting spot in the Premier League, a sharp contrast to his status before the tournament, when he was a regular name on Marco Silva’s team sheet.
Bassey was again left out of the starting XI in Fulham’s 3–2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, only entering the match late on as the visitors pushed for a late equaliser.
Reacting on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Ikpeba dismissed suggestions of form-related issues, pointing instead to the physical strain modern football places on players.
“It could be tiredness, it could be minor concerns,” Ikpeba explained. “Players are human. Sometimes a coach just feels someone needs rest.”
The 24-year-old had started every league fixture for Fulham before departing for AFCON and has been one of Silva’s most dependable options this season, featuring mainly in central defence while also filling in at left-back when needed.
Ikpeba also noted that the packed football calendar often leaves managers with little choice but to rotate their squad, especially when players return from intense international competitions.
“With matches coming thick and fast, recovery becomes important,” he added. “At times, a short rest is necessary.”
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