Why Etebo is not training with the squad – Stoke City manager reveals

Stoke City manager, Michael O’Niel has revealed why Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo was left out of registered players for this season.

Peter Etebo signed for Stoke City in July 2018 for €7.20m but has spent the last three seasons on loan at Getafe, Galatasary and most recently, Watford.

The 26-year-old midfield engine didn’t actualize his expected performance on loan last season as he was out injured for the better part of the season and couldn’t help Watford avoid the drop to the Championship.

With the new season starting last weekend in the championship, Peter Etebo has not been handed a squad number.

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Blackpool, Michael O’Niel explained Etebo situation at the club.

“Peter’s been away from the club for two and a half years,” The Irish coach was quoted by Stoke Sentinel.

“In that period he’s been on three different loans. He previously hasn’t returned in pre-season, this pre-season he has returned and he played some games for Nigeria at the end of last season. He had quite a bad injury last season with Watford so missed quite a portion of the season.

“He’s not fit enough to train with the squad yet and I think in his mind he’s still looking for a permanent exit from the club. It’s very difficult for us as a club to rewind two-and-a-half years but he’s still our player, he’s contracted to the club and we’re duty bound to look after him, which is what we’re doing.”

Etebo has never played under the manager Michael O’Niel since he took over the club in November 2019, only appearing in the matchday squad twice.