Claudio Ranieri today admitted Juan Sebastian Veron was not fully fit when he was introduced to the action in Chelsea's Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat against Monaco on Tuesday.
Argentinian midfielder Veron looked out of place after his introduction as a half-time replacement for Jesper Gronkjaer.
And following reports Ranieri played Veron against his wishes, the manager today ruled his £15m man out for another 10 days.
Veron had only just returned from his long-term back complaint when he was forced to take the field in the match in which Chelsea capitulated and lost 3-1.
Ranieri, who today ruled Veron out of Sunday's Premiership clash at Newcastle, said: "I've decided to rest Veron for another 10 days to increase his stamina."
The Italian will be without a host of star names on their travels to Newcastle on Sunday.
Adrian Mutu has a knee injury and Scott Parker's hamstring problems continue putting them out of the trip to the north-east, while John Terry is fighting to shake off his ankle niggle.
Damien Duff and William Gallas are still suffering from the fever, which ruled them out of the trip to Monaco, and Celestine Babayaro is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Defeat at the hands of Bobby Robson's men could see Arsenal clinch the title at White Hart Lane.
