Club vs country is a challenge to keep check on travelling Premier League stars whose fitness is so important

• e-mail

When a player leaves for international fixtures he's told to wear his fitness tracker so the club know how hard he has been working. Is he training? How much training? We can see how long he plays for in the games, but what about the rest of the time?

Remember, when they return, you may only have one or two sessions with them before the next Premier League game and you need to know his condition.

Of course, some might wear them, most forget. 'Sorry gaffer, I know I should have done, but...'

John Stones came off during Manchester City's win over Leicester with an injury

You can't send your medical staff with them, so you are scrambling for information. You try to ask the player outright, but how do you know he is telling you the truth? You might play him, he gets injured or he's not in the right condition. It's why club managers do not enjoy the international break. It can feel like picking your team blindfolded.

The GPS tracking, which feeds back to your sports science staff, means there are no cutting corners. Gone are the days when you walk in the gym and a player who has just started his sit-ups, suddenly starts counting '102, 103, 104', while blowing out his cheeks.

Some countries will share the information frm their training sessions with you, some will not. England are not the worst.

City's Pep Guardiola questioned the wisdom of his defender playing 180 minutes for England

Which should the player put first: club, or country? I can see the argument from both sides, but then I am currently neutral and not tearing my hair out at the loss of a key player.

Gareth Southgate wants to prepare for the World Cup. He has only two more friendlies confirmed before naming the preliminary squad (Italy and Holland in March - four months away). He's right to pick who he wants. He's right to put England first. So would I.

But I've been the manager on the other side. In Pep Guardiola's case, John Stones collected a hamstring injury playing for Manchester City at Leicester and Pep has questioned the wisdom of his defender playing 180 minutes of international football friendlies. I too believe these injuries are cumulative.

Also, Jose Mourinho is unhappy that Phil Jones played against Germany, but only after a number of injections, and returned to Manchester United injured. I imagine it is especially galling for him when some players withdrew - only to recover and play for their clubs this weekend.

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over that and I doubt Gareth will. He used the opportunity to bring through some younger players and it might be good that Harry Kane or Dele Alli have had a rest.

Harry Winks played for England and was only able to last 28 minutes against Arsenal

Club managers do put their players under pressure to put the club first. 'I know you love your country, but remember we pay your wages,' they will say. I know, I've said it! At one club where I managed, we had a problem with a group who seemed to get a lift when international time came around. I didn't like that.

These club-vs-country rows always escalate in a World Cup season and so I expect there will be more. And it won't just be about England.

Mo Salah is one player who is crucial to his country. He is on fire at the moment, but he is the king of the Egyptian team and they will want him fresh for Russia. Liverpool will be hoping his best performances are in a red shirt. 

It's hard to see both sides being pleased. 

England manager Gareth Southgate, ultimately, has to do what is best for the national team