Iwobi has played 448 out of a possible 450 minutes for Fulham across all competitions since returning from AFCON.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Fulham manager Marco Silva has said a lack of squad depth at the London club necessitated his decision not to give Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi a much-needed rest.
The Portuguese tactician made this known recently while justifying his team selection during an interview on FFCtv.
His explanation followed his decision to name the Nigerian international in the starting XI for their 2-1 FA Cup victory over Stoke City on Sunday.
Interestingly, Silva made ten changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night; Iwobi was the only player to retain his place in the starting lineup.
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His compatriots, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze, were both left out of the starting XI for the cup encounter.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Iwobi has played 448 out of a possible 450 minutes for Fulham across all competitions.
Speaking after the FA Cup comeback win, Silva admitted that Iwobi had to start because of a shortage of available players.
He said, “Alex, another game, he couldn’t rest,” Silva said. “Maybe it was a good chance to let him rest, but we don’t have many options to do that, and the backline held up well.”
