Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has fired a subtle dig at England boss Gareth Southgate over his decision not to pick Joe Gomez for the latest round of World Cup qualifiers.
Gomez, 24, was a first choice for club and country when he suffered a long-term knee injury while on Three Lions duty last November.
The defender made his comeback for Liverpool at the start of the current season and has been welcomed back into the fold by Klopp, making five appearances in all competitions.
However, he has been overlooked for the last two England squads, with Southgate preferring to select the likes of Tyrone Mings, John Stones, Conor Coady and Fikayo Tomori.
The England boss has a policy of only picking those who are playing for their club - something questioned by Klopp in his latest press conference.
"Sometimes Gareth reacts if you are not playing for your club you can't play for the national team," Klopp said.
"Obviously there is a special thing for Mr Stones."
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Stones has not kicked a ball in anger for Manchester City since last season's Champions League final, yet has started four matches for England this season.
Despite Klopp's frustration, Southgate did disclose the reason behind Gomez's omission before September's international break.
The Three Lions head coach said: "Joe we kept in contact with throughout his rehab. We would be very cautious about when we put Joe back in.
"The rehab from that injury is a really important one to get right, he needs to be settled in with Liverpool with plenty of minutes on the pitch feeling in a good place with al of that before we start thinking of selecting him with us.
"But he’s a boy we think a lot of and its good to see him close and available for selection which is great."