TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA WARRIORS midfielder Marvelous Nakamba’s future was thrown into further uncertainty on Tuesday night after he was left out of the match day squad for the low-key league cup clash against Bolton Wanderers.
Nakamba had a decent season under Stephen Gerrard last season, but has fallen down the perking order this term, which saw him failing to make the match day squad for Villa’s past two league matches against Bournemouth and Everton.
The Zimbabwe international, however, finally made the match day squad in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, where he was an unused substitute.
While his appearance on the bench had given hope that Gerrard was planning to give him a run in the League Cup against lowly Bolton Wanderers, he was left out of the match day squad altogether, with the former Liverpool midfielder, instead, sending his strongest squad for duty.
Bolton Wanderers were trounced 4-1 as Gerrard pushes for an improved performance this term after his team struggled to stay afloat last season.
Afterwards, Gerrard clarified that Nakamba together with Frenchman Morgan Sanson were not injured, but simply missed out being named in his 20-man squad against Bolton.
“Luda’s (left-back Ludwig Augustinsson) got a bit of a tweak in his knee, but should be available for the weekend all being well,” Gerrard added.
“It’s not a serious one, but there was no need to take a risk on that. Sanson and Nakamba are fine.”
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The development further heightens speculation that Nakamba might be joining a new club before the close of the transfer window.
The Zimbabwean is one of the four players understood to have been transfer-listed.
The Daily Mirror reported that the Birmingham club was assessing offers for Nakamba and three others.
Villa signed Boubacar Kamara from Marseille and the France midfielder has made the anchoring position his own so far this term.
He is one of five signings made by Gerrard as they look to change their fortunes.
Over the last few months, a number of clubs were reported to have been interested in Nakamba, with Newcastle and Everton listed among the potential suitors.
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