FRENCH winger Harry Novillo will not return to the Melbourne City fold until the club completes an investigation in to an alleged altercation with his partner on Tuesday morning.

City confirmed it had barred Novillo from training with his teammates casting doubt on his immediate future with the A-League side.

It is understood the 24-year-old, who has been one of City’s leading lights this season, is highly unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against Central Coast at AAMI Park.

Beyond that, it is not known whether Novillo will be in the frame to travel to Wellington to take on the Phoenix next week.

Police were called to Novillo’s Southbank apartment in the early hours of Tuesday morning in response to a call from a distressed 23-year-old woman.

The French-born Martinique international was taken away in handcuffs following the alleged verbal altercation, although no charges have subsequently been laid.

Novillo was recruited by City midway through last season as an injury replacement for Damien Duff and has signed a two-year deal during the off-season.

Despite missing the early part of the season with a hamstring injury, he has since scored nine goals and created four assists in 15 appearances.

“The club has begun a full investigation of the matter, engaging all associated and relevant parties,” Melbourne City said in a statement.

“In the interest of due process, the club is not in a position to comment further until the investigation is completed.

“Harry Novillo will not participate in squad training while the investigation is in progress.”

With Aaron Hughes injured and international marquee player Robert Koren cut during the January transfer window, City is likely to field just two foreigners against Central Coast — A-League golden boot leader Bruno Fornaroli and goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.