Nicolas Anelka has cleared out his locker and walked out of training at West Bromwich Albion as confusion surrounds his future in the game.
Anelka's agent Erik Manasse passed away this week and the striker has been deliberating his future in football over the past 48 hours.
The club confirmed the Frenchman was excused from this weekend's match against Everton on 'compassionate grounds'.
A club statement issued on Thursday afternoon read: 'West Bromwich Albion can confirm that Nicolas Anelka will not be involved in Saturday’s game at Everton.
'The club have excused the striker from club duty on compassionate grounds.'
The dramatic events come just 49 days after the former Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea striker joined the club.
Anelka, 34, has had a stellar career but wanted to return to the Premier League following an ill-fated move to China with Shanghai Shenhua and a short spell at Juventus.
But now it seems he has turned his back on English football altogether - after just one competitive game for his new club - in traumatic circumstances.
He is believed to have gone to training on Thursday morning and cleared his locker.
He spoke with West Brom's sporting and technical director Richard Garlick before leaving the Baggies' training ground.
Anelka was used in a more withdrawn role, behind Shane Long, in the opening game of the season against Southampton on Saturday.
The former France forward struggled to impact the game as Steve Clarke's side went down 1-0.
Dailymail
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