'A little bit away' - Barnsley coach explains why Nwakali did not make his debut against Sheffield United 

Speaking post-match after his side's 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke explained why summer signing Kelechi Nwakali was not handed his debut against the Blades.

The Reds confirmed the signing of the popular Nigeria international on August 12 but highlighted that the transfer was subject to visa and international clearance.

Since the transfer was announced, the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has not been involved in five consecutive games played by Barnsley.

Nwakali only resumed trained with his new teammates at Barnsley last week after he was issued with a visa by the British authorities.

Having missed the whole of pre-season preparations at Barnsley, the Super Eagles midfielder has some catching up to do in terms of match fitness and it was even a surprise he was an option on the bench for the visit of Sheffield United.

Had he featured, it would have been his first game in English football since his departure from Premier League club Arsenal five years ago. 

Speaking to the club's media, Clarke explained: "He's building his training minutes up. He's a little bit away but nice for the nine substitutes tonight. Managed to get him on the bench but unfortunately not on the pitch.

"The lads have been working in the background, running hard, the substitutions, so we will get players up to speed as quick as we can so we get more options."

Nwakali could not make his debut at Arsenal due to work permit issues, leading to loan spells at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto, before he was let go in the summer of 2019.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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