Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that it would be "impossible" for Papiss Cisse to play for Senegal in the Olympics.
The 27-year-old was called up by his country for the Games in London this summer, but has now been forced to withdraw by the Magpies' hierarchy, who fear for his long-term fitness.
Pardew understands that the call might be viewed with anger from within Senegal, but reminded people that it is Newcastle who pay the player's wages.
"It was more the owners, really, who have to pay the guy's money," The Mirror quotes Pardew as saying. "He had a full first half in Germany, he had the African Nations Cup, he had the second half of the season in his first year in the Premier League.
"He then had qualifying games, they want him again for the African Nations and they wanted him for the Olympics, and that was stretching it a little bit.
"As much as I feel for Papiss, because I am sure he would have wanted to play - he's not back yet, he's due back later this week - we have to make a call for his own health. I am sure he has got pressure from within the country for him to play and we have to release that pressure for him because physically, he couldn't do that. It's impossible."
Cisse fired 13 goals in 13 games following his move from Freiburg during the January transfer window last season.
Michael Penkman
