Goodwill between the Uruguayan and City hierarchy has been in short supply since, according to sources close to the club.

The 31-year old refused to travel to Brisbane for Saturday’s limp 2-0 loss to the Roar after being told he would only be on the bench.

It’s understood that Fornaroli, who is in the final year of his lucrative marquee contract at City, was strongly in favour of the switch to the Sky Blues but was told he would be going nowhere.

The latest clash with his bosses, this time in the form of coach Warren Joyce, has left the Englishman under pressure and needing to placate the striker, whose 48 goals in 70 appearances speak of his effectiveness.

Either that, or Joyce must find a viable replacement during the January transfer window.

City were insipid and toothless at Suncorp Stadium, and while it’s been claimed Fornaroli returned from the international break out of shape, Joyce is under the gun to recall him for Sunday’s visit of the Newcastle Jets to AAMI Park.

Joyce’s man management practices have been a focus of previous attention, with past fallouts with Tim Cahill and Neil Kilkenny, who both parted ways with the club.

There have also been brushes with midfielder Luke Brattan, though he - for the time being at least - appears to be back in favour for the team lying fifth in the A-League five games into the season.

Fornaroli, in his fourth year at the club, missed most of the last campaign with an ankle injury, and has struck just once in four appearances so far this season.

Melbourne City CEO Scott Munn was approached by The World Game for comment but declined to respond.