Insider doesn't like what he's seen about Everton star Iliman Ndiaye - 'It's very strange'

Iliman Ndiaye hasn't enjoyed the best of World Cups so far while away from Everton.

Senegal were tipped for big things in North America, but have been blown away by both France and Norway so far.

With a final game against Iraq to come, there is hope for the African champions and Ndiaye to finish the group well.

It's uncertain if that will be enough to qualify, but Ndiaye will be hoping for more even on a personal front.

The Everton attacker has been on the bench in both games so far, coming on for 17 minutes against France.

Even weirder, Ndiaye wasn't used at all versus Norway on Tuesday morning.

Iliman Ndiaye issue bubbles under surface

Everton fans have been left in disbelief at the lack of minutes for their star man in North America.

Bryan King believes not all is as it seems with Ndiaye, who may still be suffering ahead of the final group game.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, the ex-Everton scout believes there may be something under the surface.

"Maybe he's nursing an injury because a player of that quality staying on the bench is very unusual," King said.

"These players can make a difference, so I think he may have a little injury.

"He's such a quality player, you wouldn't leave him out because he could have been a game-changer.

"It's very strange."

Can Senegal still qualify for World Cup knockouts?

They can, but it would be tough and require favours.

Eight of the 12 groups will see their third-placed side progress into the knockouts, but right now, it doesn't look good.

Senegal are rock bottom of those standings, but luckily for them, only one point is the difference.

With a poor goal difference, a big win against Iraq is all that will matter in the final group game.

That is where Ndiaye will come into play, because whatever is being done right now, clearly isn't good enough.

Injury or not, you have to play your best stars at a World Cup, and Ndiaye certainly falls into that.