There was one notable omission from the Sevilla team which featured against Manchester United last week.
Manchester United loanee Alex Telles was left on the substitute’s bench and was not utilised at all.
But this was not due to a reluctance on Telles’ part. His manager Jose Luis Mendilibar has clarified his state of mind.
Mendilibar says Telles is ready if called upon by Sevilla for the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
Telles ready for action
Mendilibar told AS: “Alex has a crazy desire to play against the team he is on loan from and to which he can return.”
He added of his squad: “They all have the desire, they all want to play and no one jumps from the boat or departs from this game.”
Telles signed on loan for the season with Sevilla back in August. He has featured regularly when fit, making a total of 29 appearances.
That’s why his non-selection at Old Trafford was a little surprising, if understandable. The truth is, Telles has simply not been in favour under Mendilibar.
The Brazilian is yet to start under him, and did not feature at all in Sevilla’s weekend win against Valencia.
Telles is eligible to play. Loan rules do not permit European clubs to insert clauses preventing players playing against their clubs in European competition.
Sevilla will have to adjust their backline with right-back Gonzalo Montiel suspended. Whether that reshuffle leads to Telles being involved, we will have to see.
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