Roberto De Zerbi has explained his decision to leave below-par Leandro Trossard out of his starting XI.

The Albion head coach says his Belgium star has not been at his best since returning from the World Cup.

He now faces a call over whether to give Trossard playing time at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

De Zerbi told The Argus earlier this week Trossard had had a “difficult” return to club action.

He watched from the technical area as Evan Ferguson led the attack – and scored – in the 4-1 win at Everton on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, De Zerbi said: “It was a choice.

“I preferred Ferguson (at Everton) and for tomorrow, I don’t know.

“Trossard is a good player but I want him to be 100% of his possibility.

“I haven’t seen him at the maximum since the World Cup.

“I’m a coach, I have to play with the best first XI possible.

“At the moment I didn’t see him ib the best condition to play.”