Alex Neil has explained the absences of Trai Hume and Arbenit Xhemajli from Sunderland's bench in midweek.
The defensive duo were both included amongst the subs for the Black Cats' home game against MK Dons last weekend, but were left off the teamsheet when Sunderland took on Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.
That led some fans to question whether they left out due to injury or merely due to a selection decision by Neil.
READ MORE: Nathan Broadhead back training with Sunderland as he edges closer to a comeback
But the head coach says neither player was injured, and has explained the thinking behind his decision.
"It wasn't an injury issue," he said of teenage right-back Hume, who joined the club from Northern Ireland side Linfield in January.
"I didn't go with Trai the other night just because it was a home game and I wanted an extra attacking option, rather than a defensive option, on the bench.
"We had Danny Batth on the bench [who could have come on in central defence, allowing Bailey Wright to play right-back] and we had the likes of [Lynden] Gooch on the pitch who could have gone to right-back if need be.
"There are certain games where I would prefer a a more attacking option on the bench because we want to try and win."
Neil opted to play Carl Winchester at right-back against Burton instead, with the versatile midfielder one of Sunderland's better performers on the night.
Hume is still only 19 years old, his fledgling career has only just begun, and Neil is also giving him time to make the step up to League One.
He said: "He's certainly got developing to do, because what you need to remember is that Trai came through at Linfield and I think he has only played something like 20-odd games in his career.
"We're not talking about a seasoned pro who has done it for years and years, what we're talking about is a young lad who has got really good potential and we need to bed him in and give him opportunities when and if it's appropriate.
"I thought that Carl Winchester was one of our best players in the last game, so I certainly think that Trai not having played and Winnie having played instead cost us the game."
Neil has spoken several times of the fatigue suffered by some of his younger players, and of the lack of options he has in key positions which makes it very difficult to give those jaded players a rest.
One player he has cited as an example is on-loan Manchester City centre-back Callum Doyle, who is only 18 years old but has started virtually every game this season and is now clearly in need of a break.
But currently Sunderland's only real candidate to replace him on the left-side of central defence is Xhemajli, and he has barely played since suffering a serious knee ligament injury 16 months ago.
Neil said: "I don't think he is someone we can't consider, but what you have to remember is that in two years he has played something like nine U23 league games.
"I could sit with a whole long list and tell you how much they have played and how often they have played of late, and anyone in my position I think would see it the exact same way, because with 12 games left and so many players with really limited gametime, it hard for someone to be the guy to come in and drag us forward.
"Arby is in the squad, he is training well, and he is available for selection."
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
