Everton boss Frank Lampard explained not calling up Dominic Calvert-Lewin for today's clash with West Ham.
Eyebrows were raised when team news dropped at Goodison one hour before kick-off, with the forward not even named on the bench for the Blues. But speaking before the game, Lampard revealed Calvert-Lewin missed out as a precaution after his knee injury.
He said: "It was my choice with Dominic given the [injury] history and the international break we have coming up.
"It's a chance for him to get even fitter after a slightly complicated injury. We have to be cautious with him rather than take a risk because we want him for the long-term so it was more of a precaution.
"I know everyone gets excited – I get asked questions about him every press conference - but, at the same time, we have to protect him a little bit so hopefully after the international break we'll be seeing him."