Ange Postecoglou has hinted that Tottenham may prevent Cristian Romero from playing at this summer's Olympics.
Romero admitted earlier this week that he would like to feature for his country at the Paris Games, which take place in July and end on August 10, one week before the new Premier League season gets underway.
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“I would like to be in the Olympic Games," Romero told TyC Sports.
"I never had the chance to be there. Anything for the national team, obviously I would like to be there. If [Javier] Mascherano wants to take me, I am available.”
Postecoglou, though, wants the majority of players to have much-needed rest, given both Euro 2024 and the Copa America are on the horizon too.
Romero is likely to be called up for Argentina at the South American tournament, which starts in mid-June and concludes on July 15.
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"Olympics is a little bit of a different issue because clubs aren't obliged to let players go to the Olympics," Postecoglou said.
"From that perspective, we have a little bit more of a say in it than other internationals. Certainly from our behalf as a club, we'll always be looking at making sure there is a balance there.
"He hasn't spoken to me about it, no one has spoken to me about it but I guess pretty strong advice would be with the Copa America at the same time and hopefully us gearing up for a big season next year, I'd be suggesting rest is a better policy."
Tottenham will play a post-season friendly in Postecoglou's homeland against Newcastle in Melbourne.
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The Aussie admitted the club weighed up the decision before giving it the green light.
"I guess with all these decisions there's always going to be conjecture and scrutiny around why they're made," he said.
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"But from our perspective, like any club, you weigh up the benefits and costs of doing something. For one reason or another, we haven't had a lot of games this year and there was a unique opportunity for us to have a game at the end of the year.
"I'm obviously part of that discussion and we are mindful of the players and the schedule. We weighed it all up and thought it was going to be really beneficial for us as a football club, and we've gone that way."