Stockport County boss Dave Challinor confirmed Antoni Sarcevic took a 'whack' in training and missed a reunion against his old club Bolton Wanderers to preserve him for their National League clash with Bromley.
The former Wanderers skipper was not involved against his old side in the FA Cup first round today.
League One Wanderers hosted the National League side at the University of Bolton Stadium.
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Backed by some 5,000 away supporters, the visitors took a shock lead when Scott Quigley put them in front, but Wanderers rallied and got back on level terms when Eoin Doyle equalised and then went ahead thanks to Elias Kachunga.
But County equalised in first half stoppage time when Ben Whitfield slotted home, with the tie being taken to a replay at Edgeley Park and the game likely to be played on Tuesday, November 16.
It was confirmed before the game that Sarcevic had picked up a knock in training.
Challinor confirmed Sarcevic was 'absolutely devestated' to miss the encounter, but the new County boss took the decision with the big picture in mind.
He said: “He got a whack yesterday. It was a tough decision but, for us, the Bromley game was more important.
“We have got a suspension with Macca (Macauley Southam) and we have other players out but what we don’t want to do is risk anything that will result in us losing players for a long time.
“We have two players out on loan that we can’t recall for 28 days, so we are not massively stocked up at the top end of the pitch.
“He is obviously a big miss for us, but I would hope he will be ready to play against Bromley.
“He’s absolutely devastated. Players are always going to tell you that they are fit and want to play but sometimes you have to make decisions that take it out of their hands, especially with the opportunity for him to come back here.
“Having spoken to him he left here in certain circumstances and part of that was going back to Plymouth and that being a massive thing for him.
“So to miss out today, he is devastated. But in time I hope he will get over it and see that the decision was made in everyone’s best interest."
There is a chance that Sarcevic could be fit for the replay at Edgeley Park, which is expected to be on or around Tuesday, November 16.
Challinor believes the Hatters have an 'unbelievable' player in the form of the ex-Wanderers captain and the new Stockport boss has known about the midfielder for a long time.
He added: “I hope so. We have a league game before it which is massively important.
“Anyone who is fit can play and hopefully we can be a little bit more on the front foot but that isn’t a guarantee.
“He will be unbelievable. I tried to sign him as a 16-year-old when he was at Woodley Sports and I was at lowly Colwyn Bay but he chose Chester over me, and I wasn’t too pleased.
“He is a great player and at the level we are at he will have a real impact. I am looking forward to working with him."
