There is very little we know as fact regarding the Puerta and Laalaoui situation. From what we do know and can put together, it doesn't make any sense that the club and players would be so pointlessly punished by the EFL, as others have said. That makes me think that there must be more that we don't know which explains their stance.
I think it's a bit wrong that nobody has said anything on it though. The EFL have been totally silent on the matter and so are the club, but clearly the two players aren't allowed to play. It feels as though someone really should be required to explain that.
I agree. Aside from Puerta in one of the games behind closed doors at Cottingham, neither have played in any of the pre-season games either. As far as I know, there’s nothing stopping them from playing friendlies.