Aladji Bamba set to stay at NUFC in January despite lack of minutes

Aladji Bamba is not expected to leave Newcastle on loan in January, despite playing just 27 minutes since his summer arrival from Monaco.

Craig Hope reports in the Daily Mail that the plan is for the 20-year-old to remain on Tyneside, although Matthias Jaissle still doesn't consider him ready to start Premier League matches.

Bamba has not featured since September 19, leaving supporters waiting to see more of a midfielder who arrived with only 12 senior starts behind him, according to the report.

Encouragement from Bamba's work in training

There is a positive update on his progress, with Hope writing:

"However, I understand the plan is for Bamba to remain on Tyneside and there has been encouragement with his recent performances in training."

Jaissle has previously spoken about Bamba's adjustment to the physical demands of English football, while pointing to the competition for places in midfield.

Before last month's trip to Crystal Palace, he said the Frenchman was progressing and working hard in training. He also explained his reluctance to keep changing the spine of the side and said Under-21 minutes were not planned at that stage.

This transfer still isn't making sense

Jacob Ramsey is suspended for Saturday's trip to Fulham, while Joelinton is a fresh fitness concern after feeling muscle discomfort following Monday's defeat to Everton. Lewis Miley is expected to return, but even with those potential absences, Hope's account suggests Bamba is unlikely to start.

It still begs the question: how bad has he looked in training to barely get a look-in all season? There may be encouragement about his recent work, but his continued absence is hard to understand when our midfield has struggled so badly.

He had a ropey pre-season, but it's not like he's trying to unseat a Newcastle midfield of the calibre we had previously. There have been enough problems in that area to justify giving someone else a chance.

On paper, you'd think Bamba could be a great fit for this team. Instead, we've signed him, barely used him and apparently won't be loaning him out either. So far, the transfer just hasn't made much sense at any level.