Is MB risking players?

[Smudge3920]

This is not a critisism of MB's decision's, but given the amount of injuries we have had to endure already this season, is MB doing the right thing playing so many 1st team members in the u23's?
The argument can be made that they need match time, but risking injury in these low level matches must be questionable. As the 1st team squad gets back to full strength. would it not be more prudent to start a more consistent rotation at 1st team level?
I know MB prefers to play a regular 11.

[YorkshireSquare]

The U23s are his way of keeping his players at match fitness, if they dont get game time the risk not being up to the fitness level Bielsa reuires for the first team.

[gessa]

I think game time out weighs the risk of injury.

[Smudge3920]

The U23s are his way of keeping his players at match fitness, if they dont get game time the risk not being up to the fitness level Bielsa reuires for the first team.

yes I get that mate,... what I am trying to say is would it not be better to do rotation witha fully fit squad... they need 1st team games to keep the edge .

[Smudge3920]

I think game time out weighs the risk of injury.

Oh without question gessa... its a balancing act

[1964white]

Unfortunately it's part & parcel of football Smudge, players need game time particularly those on generally on the bench or players returning from injury.

It's a concern similar to when our players are on international duty, there's always the fear injuries could occur. The problem we have is our squad isn't deep as was proven v Leicester & Palace.

[YorkshireSquare]

yes I get that mate,... what I am trying to say is would it not be better to do rotation witha fully fit squad... they need 1st team games to keep the edge .

I'd rather Rodrigo played than Roberts but if we need to call on him he needs to be match sharp. Not going to get that with 10 minutes here and there, U23s gives him the chance to get competetive minutes under his belt.

[YorkshireSquare]

It's a concern similar to when our players are on international duty, there's always the fear injuries could occur. The problem we have is our squad isn't deep as was proven v Leicester & Palace.

I'd prefer it if the didn't play in pointless internationals though!

[Smudge3920]

Thats what I am talking about... with Rodrigo, Raphina, Pablo, struijk, and aliolski would we not be better rotating 15 or 16 players in the 1st team games.. decision time has to come soon Rodrigo and Raphina especially have got to be 1st team starters.

[Smudge3920]

I'd prefer it if the didn't play in pointless internationals though!

Oh bang on there YS

[andrewjohnsmith]

Bielsa doesn't seem to like rotation. Obviously it works for him to have consistent selection. I don't think there's much risk factor of playing 45 minutes in the 23s. Its common practice. I'd even say 45 minutes is minimizing risk. Poveda, Davis, Strujik and Roberts don't get many minutes. I'd have had them play the full 90.

[Irish Ian]

Part of the game for first teamers to build up fitness etc in the seconds. There has been a larger incidence of soft tissue injuries across the Premiership this season so that may become an issue.