Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne was omitted from his starting XI for Manchester City's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham for tactical purposes.
The Belgium international was impressive against Cardiff and Brighton in the Blues' previous two outings but was left on the bench in favour of David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bernardo Silva was absent with a thigh injury picked up in training and Guardiola said Gundogan's stature was required against City's Premier League opposition.
"Bernardo is injured and Kevin de Bruyne could play, but I decided on David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in that position," Guardiola told BT Sport. "Tottenham's physicality is incredible so we will use him when we need."
"We have not had the time to prepare for set-pieces after the tough game against Brighton but the big clubs have to handle that situation."
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Sergio Aguero returned to the starting line-up for the first time since suffering an ankle injury at Fulham 10 days ago, but Guardiola said it was difficult to drop Gabriel Jesus after the Brazil international's fourth-minute goal sent the Blues through to the FA Cup final with victory against Brighton on Saturday.
" Yes it's good [that Aguero returned] but we are in the FA Cup final because of Gabriel Jesus' goal," he said.
"We have to extend that process we have had since the beginning of the season.
"When you play so many games in the last few months, everybody is important."
City's quarter-final first leg was the first European game to be played at Spurs' new stadium, and Guardiola anticipated a noisy affair in north London.
He added: "The home fans in the Champions League are always louder for the local team, so we accept that."
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