Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Left out of the matchday squad
Serious
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Left out of the matchday squad
Moderate
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Frustrated by his tactical role
Moderate
Cause
A change in shape has shifted what is being asked of him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Left out of the matchday squad
Major
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Squad status changed
Dreams of genuine first-team football
Moderate
Cause
He has spent years in the reserves and wants a real chance at first-team level. (His loan record says first-team footballer, his current role says prospect.)