Stoke City manager Nathan Jones has revealed exactly why Nick Powell wasn’t included in the matchday squad for their 2-0 defeat to Millwall on Saturday, or indeed the majority of the start of their season.

In fact, the exasperated coach fumed to Stoke on Trent Live that the attacker has been injured for the majority of the season and has made it extremely hard to pick him for his staring XI.

The former Manchester United man has made just three appearances for Jones’ side this season and is yet to record a goal or assists for the Potters.  Two of those games, Powell was in the starting XI, with his latest inclusion coming as an 80^th minute substitute in a 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town.

At only 25-years-old, there is no doubt that Powell has the potential to be a prolific player at Championship level, if fully fit and getting the game time. Except, neither of those is likely at the moment according to the boss.

Reporting Jones’ comments was journalist Martin Spinks who shared the story on Twitter.

The reaction from the supporters further cemented their frustration with the player, transfer and manager.