Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri were sent home ill as Manchester City suffered a minor fitness scare ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.
The trio complained of stomach bugs during training on Wednesday and were told to go home by a club doctor.
That meant they were also unable to attend the club's 'City Live' season launch party, where Aguero was due to pick up the 2014-15 player of the year award, in central Manchester in the evening.
But the problems are not thought to be serious and all three are expected to return to training ahead of next Monday's Barclays Premier League opener at West Brom.
Aguero sent a video message to the supporters at Wednesday's event saying: "Sorry I can't be there, I don't feel well. I will be back soon."
Aguero, City's top scorer last season with 32 goals from 41 appearances, might not be a definite starter at The Hawthorns anyway after returning late to training following his involvement in the Copa America.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini last year eased the 27-year-old back into action after his World Cup exploits with Argentina. He started the first two league games on the bench and Pellegrini could adopt a similarly cautious approach this term with his prize asset, who has a history of muscle injury problems.
New midfield signing Fabian Delph is doubtful for the opener after suffering a hamstring injury just 18 minutes into his debut in the pre-season friendly against Real Madrid in Melbourne a fortnight ago.
Delph, who initially rejected a move to City before signing in an £8million deal, gave an upbeat update on his condition at City Live.
The 25-year-old said: "Not the best debut but things can only get better from there. I'm feeling great now. The recovery is going well. We've got a great medical team here and I'm flying at the minute, so I am looking forward to coming back."
Captain Vincent Kompany also delivered an optimistic message to an audience of around 3,000 fans at the Manchester Central exhibition centre. City are hoping to reclaim the title after surrendering the crown to Chelsea last term.
Kompany said: "The squad has been working really hard and you can tell we have improved. In training the level has increased. There have been a lot of hard sessions. We are going to go to the wire and be ready for the new season. It has to be a good one for us.
"This club has to grow always. The future has to be bright. With this team we will keep improving and this club will keep growing, and we will be on top."
Source: PA
