Kevin De Bruyne was omitted from Manchester City's line-up against Real Madrid for tactical reasons as Pep Guardiola couldn't see his talisman offering the physicality required for the battle in the Bernabeu.

De Bruyne had been left out against Newcastle, presumably with the Madrid trip in mind, but was again on the bench in the Champions League for the must-win clash even with Erling Haaland on the bench.

The Belgian did not come on in the second half, even with City needing goals to complete an unlikely comeback, before conducting warm-downs on the pitch after the game. And Guardiola has confirmed that there was no injury concern behind the decision, simply a tactical call that raises questions over De Bruyne's place in the manager's plans.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola warns injured Man City players they can't stay if they can't play

READ MORE: Man City give Erling Haaland injury update vs Liverpool as Pep Guardiola suffers fresh blow

"No [injury]. Decisions. My decision," Guardiola said when discussing his selection call in Madrid. "He play in Madrid at home. Of course he can play [the big games].

"My relation with Kevin is exceptional. I cannot thank enough what he's done for me, to the team and everyone. It's just a decision. Normally I don't speak with the players. Not just with Kevin. Anyone, why they play. They don't ask me the reason why when I decide to let them play in the beginning or during the game.

"It's just a decision. What I have seen for many reasons, a few reasons. So it's never personal, never. Also Jeremy [Doku] didn't play. And the last game he played I think was in Ipswich Town, played unbelievable. And the game after in the 17th minute he was injured.

"But maybe for the demanding, for the way now we need to play, because for the absence of strength that we have, and physicality and many things, we need to gain more control, not more up and down. Don't tell me why. So it's not personal. I decide the decisions and that's all. So no more than that."

Suggesting De Bruyne's physicality and strength is an issue in Guardiola plans to get City back into form will set alarm bells ringing for a player out of contract in the summer.

Guardiola spoke of needing to talk to players who cannot play three days per week in the summer as he feels City cannot carry multiple injuries like they have this season. De Bruyne is yet to begin contract talks but has previously said he only wants to open discussions with City when he is fully fit and in form.