Pirlo unavailable for Toronto FC clash with calf concern

If New York City FC is going to steal the show on the banks of Lake Ontario during Sunday's Eastern Conference semifinal first-leg against Toronto FC, it will have to do so without midfield metronome Andrea Pirlo.

The Italian legend was a surprise omission from Patrick Vieira's team sheet released ahead of the tilt at BMO Field, with media reporting that the former Juventus standout will miss out because of a calf injury picked up in training Saturday.

NYCFC gaffer Vieira spoke with reporters and admitted that Pirlo's hampered by an injury, and is being held out with one eye on next Sunday's return leg at Yankee Stadium.

(Courtesy: @NYCFC)

While Pirlo's absence is the biggest takeaway from the team selection, fellow decorated veteran Frank Lampard's spot on the bench is also of note.

Lampard, who started 15 times for NYCFC this season, has come off the pine in his last two appearances against FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew.

Like Pirlo, Lampard, 38, is no stranger to calf injuries. The former Chelsea midfielder missed three matches this season after being absent for a dozen in the prior campaign with the same ailment.

With 12 goals this season, Lampard is second only to the club's other Designated Player, David Villa, who bagged 23 tallies for the Eastern Conference's second-place side.