The writing was on the wall when news came through that Kyle Walker's omission from Manchester City's FA Cup rout over Salford was a tactical decision.
When a player is missing from the squad these days, it's always because they are 'not fully fit', or to coin a Pep Guardiola favourite, they have 'niggles'.
Who knows how many behind-the-scenes dramas or falling-outs have been put down to such throwaway reasons. Every club does it, so it stands out when it's tactical - see Marcus Rashford's recent transfer saga at Manchester United.
Guardiola confirmed in his post-match press conference that Walker has asked to leave City this month, and was left out because of that request.
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