Sergio Ramos' tough start to life at Paris Saint-Germain continued over the weekend, with the defender left out against Lyon, and manager Mauricio Pochettino did not mince his words when explaining the decision.
Former Real Madrid captain Ramos joined PSG on a free transfer over the summer, but fitness issues mean his involvement at the Parc des Princes has been limited.
The 35-year-old has played just twice in the league for his new club, picking up a red card in the second of those appearances against Lorient just before Christmas.
Pochettino left him on the bench for the game at Lyon, with Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe starting in central defence, and the Argentine coach explained his decision after Thilo Kehrer's second-half goal rescued a point for the Ligue 1 leaders.
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"He is fine, it was a decision not to play him today," Pochettino told Amazon Prime Sport after the game (per AS ).
"We play with four defenders. There is a lot of competition for everyone.
"I hope he can play the next matches. The decision was to play with Marquinhos and Kimpembe."
Colin Dagba and Nuno Mendes started in the full-back slots, with Kehrer replacing Dagba for the final 20 minutes and delivering an equaliser after Lucas Paqueta had given Lyon an early lead.
Ramos was plagued by injury concerns after joining PSG over the summer, bringing to an end his 16-year association with Real Madrid.
The veteran's brother and agent Rene felt the need to issue assurances that the Spaniard would not be forced to retire, amid a wait of several months for his debut.
“There is no doubt about Sergio. It's a physical problem, he will play when he can,” Rene Ramos said in November.
Sergio Ramos made his long-awaited PSG debut at the end of November, in a 3-1 Ligue 1 victory away at Saint-Etienne.
His only other league appearance came in December, when he came off the bench against Lorient but was sent off for two yellow cards.
The defender was also named among the substitutes for PSG's Champions League defeat against Manchester City, and started a Coupe de France victory away to fifth-tier side Feignies in December.
PSG sporting director Leonardo has spoken of the "tensions" caused by the World Cup winner since his summer move, addressing the injury worries which also limited his involvement at Real Madrid in the second half of last season.
"We knew that he had injuries from last season and that we had to manage them. It is true that there have been surprises," Leonardo said.
"It would be really important to have him with us in the second half of the season."
One game which Ramos may have in his sights is the Champions League last-16 clash with his former club Real Madrid, with the first leg taking place in February.
