Jean-Clair Todibo stance shared as true reason behind West Ham United exile detailed
Jean-Clair Todibo is struggling for game time at West Ham United due to concerns over his fitness, according to Mail Online.
The report [25 September] shares that Julen Lopetegui has been reluctant to expose Todibo to too much action as he does not believe he is up to scratch in this area, instead opting for Konstantinos Mavropanos to partner Max Kilman in the centre of defence.
Todibo arrived on an initial loan deal at the London Stadium ahead of a £34million permanent switch next season, as Tim Steidten beat off competition for his signature.
Despite his lack of action, the report adds that the centre-back is “happy in London” and “willing to bide his time”.
The French international may be offered an opportunity away at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (25 September).
Jean-Clair Todibo not fit enough for West Ham start
That Todibo is still looking to bide his time and prove his fitness may be encouraging in the long-term, but Hammers fans are so far stumped as to whether they can rely on the Frenchman.
He will cost the club a sizeable chunk next summer and now is the time to look to get the best out of a 24-year-old full France cap who lists Barcelona, Benfica and Nice on his CV.
Todibo has only played nine minutes of Premier League action so far, with cameos against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, and has been an unused substitute in each of the last three games despite the team’s shaky defensive record.
The Irons loanee will be hoping to start for a second successive Carabao Cup tie, having been dipped in for last round’s win over AFC Bournemouth and hooked at half-time having struggled at the London Stadium.
Hopefully from the club and player’s perspective, it remains just a matter of time for Todibo to get into his stride as Lopetegui’s defence has been far from convincing.
In other West Ham news, an opportunity could spring up for Luis Guilherme after what he did in midweek.
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