Leeds United pair Niall Huggins and Charlie Cresswell were both left out of the under-23s' 4-2 win against Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.
Max Dean opened the scoring for Mark Jackson's side in the third minute, before Nohan Kenneh doubled the visitors' advantage 15 minutes later.
Summer signing Joe Gelhardt scored twice in five minutes to put the Whites youngsters 4-0 up at the break.
Cain Sykes replied twice for Boro in the second period but Leeds held firm to continue their fine form in the Premier League 2 Division 2 this season.
However, there were two notable absentees from Jackson's squad: Huggins and Cresswell.
The duo, who are 20 and 18 respectively, have both impressed in recent weeks.
Their omission from the squad could be because they may be involved in Marcelo Bielsa's plans for Monday evening's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Huggins features prominently at left-back, an area that Bielsa has been short in options during this campaign.
The young Welsh defender is very similar to Stuart Dallas - showcasing his versatility similar to the Northern Irishman. Huggins has played at left-back, on the left wing, as well as in the centre of midfield.
As for Cresswell, the teenage defender is a tall, strong and vocal centre-back, who offers a threat from corners.
Huggins is yet to make his senior debut for the Yorkshire club, while Cresswell featured against Hull City in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. Their absence from action on Sunday could indicate some sort of role for them at Elland Road on Monday.
It is unlikely that either will feature, but the experience of a senior match day would do nothing but good for both Huggins and Cresswell if that were to be the case.
