Cue Card has been ruled out of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next Thursday, said trainer Colin Tizzard.
The nine-year-old won the race in 2013 but has suffered a late setback that keeps him out of the Festival for a second consecutive season.
Tizzard said: "He was making a noise and we had him looked at it. He'll miss Cheltenham but he should be OK for Aintree."
Cue Card was in line to contest the Gold Cup last season but he suffered muscle injury which left him sidelined since November.
The four-time Grade One winner has not been at his best since his return, having been well beaten at Exeter, at Haydock and in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.
Ante-post favourite for the Ryanair is the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack, with Ma Filleule next best on the list.
