The Atomic Ant was a surprise omission ahead of Wednesday night’s game with the Columbus Crew.

The Toronto Sun learned shortly before the Eastern Conference showdown that Sebastian Giovinco wasn’t included on the team flight to Ohio Tuesday night due to a nagging heel bruise.

The former league MVP also missed Saturday’s 1-0 win in Seattle.

“Coming out of the last game he played he had a heel bruise,” coach Greg Vanney told the Sun ahead of Wednesday’s match.

“It has gotten better. We’ve tried to alter his shoe and things like that, but there’s still discomfort.

“We’re going to try and get to the weekend. I think he’ll be fine by then. But if we put him out there (in Columbus) there’s a chance of setting him back.”

Giovinco registered a brace two weeks ago in a 2-1 win over Orlando, raising his goal-scoring total to five on the campaign.

Toronto’s all-time leading scorer has appeared eight times for Toronto FC this season. He also missed a Week 3 trip to Vancouver with a thigh contusion.

The 30-year-old could return in time for Saturday when the Reds host expansion side Minnesota, Vanney reiterated.

Toronto FC is relatively healthy aside from their top player. Victor Vazquez, Eriq Zavaleta and Steven Beitashour all were available for selection Wednesday night after missing last weekend’s west coast trip due to fatigue.