Bernardo Silva was the shock omission from Manchester City's squad for their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with Premier League rivals Tottenham on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese midfielder has been in outstanding form this term, and was recently named City's player of the month for March.
While others in midfield have suffered with injuries this term, the ex-Monaco man has been a virtual ever-present for Pep Guardiola's men.
But when City's lineup was announced at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he was not included in the 18-man squad - despite having travelled and being with the team as they left the team coach.
Silva had trained with the side at the stadium the previous day also.
Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling were selected in the wide midfield roles - with Leroy Sane on the bench - while Ilkay Gundogan and captain David Silva started centrally, alongside Fernandinho, with Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden in reserve.
But Mirror Football understands that Silva was left complaining of a muscle problem after City's session at Spurs' new stadium on Monday.
As such, he was left out as a precaution, with Guardiola not willing to risk the 24-year-old amid City's bid for an unprecedented quadruple.
City face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend, before the return clash with Spurs at the Etihad next week.
Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Laporte, Otamendi, Delph; Fernandinho, Gundogan, Silva; Mahrez, Sterling, Aguero.
Subs: Muric, Kompany, Stones, De Bruyne, Sane, Jesus, Foden.
