Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has insisted that Joleon Lescott's omission from the squad to face Chelsea was "strategic".
The England international is back in contention for tonight's trip to Wigan and Platt has said there was "nothing sinister" about him being left out.
"There is a number of reasons why the manager would pick people," said Platt.
"Vinny was going into the game injured. Had Vinny not played, then Kolo would have played right-sided centre-half. Our doubt before the game was whether Vinnie would get through it. When you are looking at the bench, you are looking at people who you would utilise.
"Joleon's not in the starting XI and there are only seven can go on the bench – there's nothing sinister in it. It is not picked on form or ability, or anything like that, but is a strategic thing."
City are currently second in the Premier League, one point behind rivals Manchester United.
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