He was given 2 extra days of holidays, that's why he didn't play. I think Guardiola wanted to test the team without him and at the same time give him some rest. In the next months we're playing 2 matches every week, starting this wednesday, so it's time to rotate a little.
With our starting eleven fit, we're a demolishing machine, but the team resents a lot when some of the key players is missing. I'm eager to see what Afellay can do in this team, I really have great hopes in him, and he can add a lot from the bench, something we're missing.
By the way, Thiago played 45 minutes. This guy is a great prospect, he may start the next season in the starting eleven if he continues his progression and we don't won't buy Cesc.