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Pellegrini: No issues with frustrated Arnautovic after early substitution

Manuel Pellegrini has played down a touchline disagreement with Marko Arnautovic, who was taken off during West Ham's 2-0 FA Cup win over Birmingham City.

Arnautovic scored West Ham's second-minute opener at London Stadium, but went off injured 18 minutes later - although he seemed to dispute the decision to take him off as he exited the field.

Pellegrini has shrugged off the suggestion that there are any issues with Arnautovic, insisting that the striker was determined to continue but could not be risked.

"Marko felt a pain in his back and at the beginning he wanted to recover, but he could not continue," Pellegrini said.