Bobb return a huge boost for everyone, says Wilkinson | OneFootball

Elite Development Squad Ben Wilkinson described today’s return to action of Oscar Bobb as a huge boost for everyone at City.

Following more than seven months on the sidelines after sustaining a serious leg injury last August, the Norwegian international made a welcome comeback for our Elite Development Squad, featuring for an hour in our 3-2 PL2 loss at home to Crystal Palace.

Despite the disappointing nature of the result which saw the City Under-21s relinquish a 2-0 half-time advantage, the sight of Bobb back out on the field was a huge bonus.

But Wilkinson said it was important to allow the 21-year-old, one of the most promising young members of Pep Guardiola's first team squad, the necessary time and space to get back to full match fitness.

“Obviously it's massive for the club to have Oscar back,” Wilkinson said.

“He was in such a good place in August when he got injured and it was a real disappointment for everyone because I think that there was a feeling about him that he could have a real positive impact this season.

“So, it's fantastic to get him back on a football pitch and to get some match minutes into him.

“It has been a long, hard slog for him and hopefully he starts to rebuild some confidence in his body and getting back to where we know he's capable of being.

“He’s never going to lose the quality, his quality with the ball at his feet is unparalleled.

“I think all he needs now is time to train and time to get some minutes under his belt and to feel comfortable on a pitch again.

“Both physically and mentally it’s just to give him time to get back to where he was.”

Joining Bobb in the EDS starting line -up was Bob's fellow City first team squad member Vitor Reis who showed his class and composure with an assured display at the heart of the defence.

And for Wilkinson, the example of seeing Reis’s technical quality close up today is only something that will only benefit his own young charges.

“Vitor has got unbelievable quality on the ball, and he defends really well so I think today was the situation where it benefited him to get some game minutes,” Wilkinson added.

“He’s a great kid and someone who's got a really bright future in front of him and he's great professional as well.

“So, it really rubs off on the other players in terms of his mentality and it was great to have him with us.”

In terms of the match itself, though hugely frustrated as seeing that 2-0 half-time advantage slip away, Wilkinson said the onus was on the players – who still top the PL 2 standings - to respond in the right fashion when they return to action after the March international break.

“To obviously lose the game 3-2 after you've been 2-0 up at half time is always going to be a really disappointing feeling, but we'll see in terms of how we react from it,” the lead coach added.

“But if you spin it in a positive light, it's something that just keeps our feet on the ground and makes us understand that we've still got a lot of work to do this season.

“It’s really disappointing in terms of the way the second half played out and gives us plenty to go off over the next few weeks and [hopefully] the lads can react in a positive manner.”