Ronald Koeman has accused Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill of 'overloading' James McCarthy after the Everton midfielder played all but nine minutes of last week's victories over Georgia and Moldova.
McCarthy returned to action in the World Cup qualifiers after a six-week spell on the sidelines with a groin problem and featured for the full 90 minutes against the Georgians in Dublin last Thursday before being substituted late on in Chisenau on Sunday evening.
Koeman, who clashed with O'Neill over his use of Shane Long in a similar situation last season when in charge of Southampton, had pleaded with O'Neill to 'protect' McCarthy over the international break.
And the Dutchman was quick to express his displeasure with the midfielder's work-load at a press conference ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Manchester City.
After reporting positive fitness updates for several players, including striker Romelu Lukaku and Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson, Koeman admitted McCarthy may not be risked against the league leaders.
"James McCarthy is a little more difficult, because after five or six weeks out of football after his surgery, he played the full game after three group sessions with Ireland," Koeman said.
"He played the second game, and he's been massively overloaded.
"We have to make a decision tomorrow if he's really fit to be part of the team."
