Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has apologized to Jeremy Doku and admitted he has been unfair to him.
Guardiola has left Doku on the bench for their recent matches.
The Belgian international has had to come on as a substitute in the last three matches.
Doku came on against Everton last weekend with the scoreline still 0-0 and played his part as the Premier League champions won 2-0.
Since the March international break, Guardiola has opted for a formation that places greater emphasis on defensive strength and midfielders skilled at retaining possession.
This shift has impacted playing time both Doku and Savinho.
“I've been so unfair with him in the last games, because I remember the games against Spurs away and Brighton, for example,” Guardiola said about Doku specifically.
“Without him it would not be possible, but the only reason that they have not played lately is because we didn't attack in the last games, with wingers – we were more full-backs wide, and more players in the middle like Bournemouth.
“But it's only my reason. I feel sorry for him and for other ones.”