Drogba not in squad for Montreal's final regular-season match of 2016

Didier Drogba will play no part in the Montreal Impact's final match of the 2016 regular season as previously reported earlier in the week, with head coach Mauro Biello naming him to neither the starting XI or the bench ahead of an away fixture against the New England Revolution.

Drogba was also absent in last week's 401 Derby draw against Toronto FC, with the club explaining the Ivorian was suffering from a stiff back. However, after the 2-2 result, Biello explained that Drogba's absence was also due to a conflict between the coaching staff and the player as a result of Biello naming him to the bench instead of the starting lineup.

While club owner Joey Saputo tried to alleviate fears of any more conflict, the "Drogba affair" as it has been dubbed in Montreal was given another turn after the former Chelsea man missed training on Friday.

Major League Soccer also fined Drogba for missing the TFC match.

The Montreal Impact have already qualified for the MLS playoffs and Drogba could make his return at that time.

However, if Drogba's absence in recent weeks indicates a desire to fade quietly away from the club, it appears his final appearance in Montreal blue may have come against the San Jose Earthquakes at the end of September.

It would serve as an uncharacteristic goodbye for a player who commanded so much influence at Montreal and so much respect throughout his playing career.