During the international break, the goalkeeper headed back to South America for World Cup qualifiers as Brazil drew at home with Venezuela and lost at Uruguay.
With the long trip and playing 90 minutes twice in four days, the City boss decided to leave him on the bench for the 2-1 win over the Seagulls which saw us return to the top of the Premier League.
And it also allowed Stefan Ortega Moreno to get valuable minutes after fewer opportunities following our exit from the Carabao Cup in the third round.
“Just the fact for the travel from Brazil for Eddy, it was a long time,” Guardiola explained.
“It has happened many times and he played but he played two games there and first day he arrived he was so tired.
“Normally Ortega plays the Carabao Cup now we are out, and the FA Cup. Even for Eddy it’s good to rest your mind. Other players get tired and keepers can be tired too.
“With the ball [Ortega] is really good. He is patient and composed and has the quality of the pass. That’s why we decided for him.”
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Julian Alvarez also made the trip to South America as Argentina beat Paraguay and Peru in their World Cup qualifiers.
But Guardiola said he looked fresh after his return and the move worked perfectly as the striker gave us an early lead before Erling Haaland added a second in the win over Brighton.
“I saw him sharp,” the boss added. “He arrived but with him he said I feel fresher than I would say the other times I came from internationals.
“In the second game he played 45 minutes and was replaced by a player that is not bad like Leo Messi.
“They won and after you win it feels much better but for Brazil it didn’t happen.
“Eddy played 90 minutes. In the goalkeeper, I am not much involved. It’s not my decision most of the time.
“Okay it’s my responsibility but I listen a lot to [goalkeeping coach] Xabi Mancisidor and Juanma [Lillo] and we decide to do it.”
