Preston defender Matthew Olosunde looks to be facing a long road back to Ryan Lowe’s plans having been left out of the 25-man squad today.
North End have today named their squad for the rest of the season, but have named just 24 rather than 25 in their squad.
Three senior players are left out; defender Paul Huntington, goalkeeper Declan Rudd and right back Olosunde.
Huntington is out of contract this summer and looks set to leave after 10 years at Preston.
Rudd has, unfortunately, barely been seen this season and there are concerns over his injury situation moving forward.
The real shock surrounds Olosunde, with Preston preferring to keep a free spot open than register Olosunde for action now.
Olosunde, 23, joined Preston on a free transfer from Rotherham United last summer but has endured a miserable season.
The American full back has suffered numerous injury problems and managed just two appearances in all competitions.
After a decent showing at Blackburn Rovers, Olosunde played in the 1-0 defeat at Swansea City and really struggled.
That’s to be expected from a player who has barely kicked a ball this season, and we preached some patience over his future.
However, Olosunde hasn’t been in a Preston matchday squad since that defeat at Swansea, with Lowe seemingly preferring Joe Rafferty right now.
Nobody really saw this coming though, and it’s a bold call from Lowe given the time and effort Preston have put in with Olosunde this season.
It’s possible that Olosunde has suffered another injury, but that hasn’t been mentioned anywhere in the last two weeks and would only serve to pose more questions anyway.
If Olosunde is injured again, it may well be that Preston can’t rely on him long-term – and would no doubt leave Lowe frustrated.
There is still a chance for Olosunde to return to the squad later this season, but it’s already looking like a bleak situation for the former Manchester United talent.