Frank Lampard's brief Manchester City career is hold, at least for now.
The New York City FC Designated Player – who is on loan with the MLS expansion team's Premier League parent club through January of 2015 – did not travel for Man. City's opening-day trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, NYCFC announced via Twitter. City won the match 2-1.
Lampard began training with Manchester City this past week after the loan spell was officially announced on Aug. 6. There has been speculation as to how and where the three-time World Cup veteran would be deployed during his loan back to England after 13 seasons at Chelsea.
It's unknown if Lampard will appear against his old club when Chelsea visit the City of Manchester Stadium on Sept. 21, but City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he expects Lampard's help when the defending Premiership champs open UEFA Champions League group-stage play next month.
- Get the latest NYCFC headlines at the newly launched NYCFC.com
NYCFC have loaned a number of their already-signed players out to foreign clubs as they prepare for their inaugural MLS season. Designated Player forward David Villa will play the last half of 2014 with Australia's Melbourne City FC, while defender Jeb Brovsky and midfielder Andrew Jacobson are playing for teams in Norway. Goalkeeper Josh Saunders is on loan at the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions.
