Bernardo Silva was ruled out of Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Tottenham due to a thigh injury.
The Portugal playmaker was expected to start Tuesday’s clash at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and travelled with the rest of Pep Guardiola’s squad to the ground.
But City’s manager was forced to alter his plans after Bernardo complained about soreness in his thigh.
Ilkay Gundogan partnered David Silva in the advanced midfield roles, with Riyad Mahrez deployed on the right.
Kevin De Bruyne was a surprise absentee after playing in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton, when Bernardo was moved to the right wing in order to accommodate the Belgian.
With so many key games coming up over the next week-and-a-half, Guardiola is determined not to take any unnecessary risks with key players.
City face Crystal Palace this weekend, before a double-header against Spurs.
First they face Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the second leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday, with the rivals going head-to-head again at the Etihad the following weekend in a crunch Premier League tie.
