Nemanja Vidic is at the centre of a delicate club versus country tug-of-war following the second postponement of Serbia's European Championship qualifier with Kazakhstan.
With Serbia still having a chance, even if it is a very slim one, of reaching next summer's finals, Vidic's presence will no doubt be required by his country.
However, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would also like Vidic in his squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Bolton.
Much may depend on the outcome of Wednesday's matches as, if Portugal collect a point from their final game against Finland, or Serbia fail to overcome already-qualified Poland, they will be out, which may mean a United request to release Vidic will be looked upon rather more sympathetically.