The Reason Chelsea-Linked Striker Was Left Out Of Bordeaux Squad Vs Rennes

Published: December 20, 2019

Josh Maja has been left out of Bordeaux's travel roster for their final game of 2019 against Rennes but this has nothing to do with speculation linking him with a transfer to Premier League side Chelsea in the January transfer window, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Nigeria international was dropped by manager Paulo Sousa due to fitness issues, having failed to recover from an adductor injury.

Maja had been rated as doubtful for the trip to Brittany as he did not train with the group in their penultimate workout on Thursday.

The former Sunderland starlet has been included in every single matchday squad since the start of the season, featuring in 16 games and was a non-playing substitute in two others.

The 20-year-old was in brilliant form in his last four matches in Ligue 1, scoring 4 goals including his maiden hat-trick as a professional and set up two goals.

Meanwhile, Samuel Kalu has been included in the traveling party to Rennes and will be hoping to start his 12th game of the season.

With 20 rounds left to play in the division, Bordeaux are five points off the Champions League spots. They sit seventh in the table with 26 points.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : girondins.com