Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that youngster Marcus Edwards will not feature in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night as he waits for the player to gain more match fitness by playing for the reserves.
The Argentine manager had talked the player up highly last season and handed him his first team debut against Gillingham in the third round of the EFL Cup. The teenager though did not kick on, with his appearances being limited by injury.
However, Edwards has since recovered and progressed well, playing with the reserves, having already managed three appearances for the Tottenham Under-23 team, scoring two goals.
It has led to questions about whether Pochettino would use Edwards for the game against Barnsley on Tuesday as Spurs look to rotate the squad, keeping the busy September schedule in mind.
The former Southampton manager though is against the idea as he wants the player to get more playing time for the reserves before selecting him in the first team.
relatedNewsStory
Asked about whether Edwards will feature in the game, the manager said at a press conference: "No, Marcus no, will not be involved tomorrow in the first team.
"Last season was difficult for him.
"Remember he was injured and then he had an operation and I think it was a tough season for him.
"He dropped a little bit but it’s normal after nearly one season that he didn’t play.
"Now he’s building his confidence again.
"We’re so happy because he played very well against Manchester United and then in the Youth Cup he was very good.
"But I think we need to wait a little bit for him to build more his physical condition and his confidence.
"He’s better playing in the Under-23s or the Youth Cup than staying with us, maybe on the bench.
"I think it’s a situation we have under control and we are looking after him to try to again have the facility to be involved with the first team.
"But it’s step by step."
