Fally Mayulu was not included in Bristol City’s matchday squad for their season-opener against Sheffield UnitedGerhard Struber left Fally Mayulu out of his Bristol City squad against Sheffield United(Image: PPAUK and Getty Images)

Gerhard Struber has addressed Fally Mayulu’s absence from Bristol City’s matchday squad for the Robins’ opening day win over Sheffield United, admitting that the Frenchman needs a “little bit more time” before he is ready to feature after an injury-disrupted season last time out.

The Reds kicked off the new campaign in an impressive fashion as a Scott Twine brace and a goal apiece from Ross McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti saw Struber’s side thrash last season’s play-off finalists 4-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening.

Emil Riis was given the nod as the Robins’ sole striker against Ruben Selles’ side, with Sinclair Armstrong, Sam Bell, Harry Cornick, and young forward Ephraim Yeboah the alternatives named on the bench. Despite finding room amongst the substitutes for four forwards, Mayulu was not named in the City squad, having played just 45 minutes of football across the entirety of pre-season.

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The 23-year-old only started three Championship games for the Reds last term before joining Sturm Graz on loan in January with the aim of playing more regular football. However, injury limited Mayulu to just two league appearances during his spell back in Austria.

While Struber insists that he wants the former Rapid Vienna forward back involved “as soon as possible,” the City boss is of the opinion that the Frenchman needs more time to reach the level required to be effective in the Championship.

“We know that Fally is a great player and also that he has a high potential,” the head coach told Bristol Live in his post-match press conference. “But we know also that he has in the last season [played] less games.

“For him, we need a little bit more time to bring him on the level that he is also ready to be online over the whole game. In this direction, we work with him, also individually. He needs a little bit of time to step back into the starting 11 or be in the roster.

“I think, right now, we have big trust in him,” Struber continued. “But at the same time, we know the one or other gap that he has, and in this direction, we work very closely with him and in a very good exchange with him.

“We want to bring him back as soon as possible.”

With Mayulu not involved, it was Riis who impressed in what was his first competitive appearance as a City player.

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While the Danish forward missed a golden chance to open his own account in red and white when he fired over from close range in the second half, he picked up the assist for Mehmeti’s goal just after the break and played an important role in the counter-attack which led to McCrorie’s first of the campaign midway through the first half.

The former Preston North End forward had been in fine form in front of goal throughout pre-season, scoring twice against Plymouth Argyle and once against Real Valladolid.

Naturally, those goals will have boosted Riis’ confidence ahead of the new campaign, but a commanding win on the opening weekend of the season is expected to have benefited him, and everyone in the Reds’ changing room, after what has been a hectic summer in south Bristol.

“For the whole team, a win like that, on this level, gives everyone a good amount of self-confidence,” Struber explained. “Also, for the new players, it’s important that they integrate very quickly.

“They did a good job today.”

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