Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has rejected criticism on social media after he withdrew from the Germany squad for the final two games of the season.
Hummels will play no part in Germany's friendly against United States on Wednesday or the Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar on Saturday after suffering what the German FA described as a "Hüftbeugersehenentzündung" -- an inflammation of the hip flexor tendon.
However, the news attracted criticism when Hummels used his Instagram account to post a picture of himself on holiday and seemingly in good spirits.
Mats Hummels sagt Länderspiel verletzungsbedingt ab. Und postet am gleichen Tag dieses Bild. pic.twitter.com/6WG2o4VtwF
- Bastian Hahne (@torhamster04) June 7, 2015
Hummels used his Twitter account to hit back at his critics, writing: "For all you 'experts' on Twitter etc: I am in pain when running, passing and shooting. I can sit, stand, jump and even lie down for instance."
Für alle "Experten" auf Twitter etc: ich habe Schmerzen beim Laufen, Passen und Schießen. Sitzen, stehen, hüpfen und sogar liegen z.B. geht!
- Mats Hummels (@matshummels) June 7, 2015
The 26-year-old, who was part of the Germany side that won the 2014 World Cup, has endured a difficult period with injuries.
The centre-back made only 32 competitive appearances for Dortmund this season, fewer than he has made in any campaign since 2008-09, having suffered both knee and ankle problems.
Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Jerome Boateng is set to miss Wednesday's match in Cologne.
The DFB announced that Germany coach Joachim Low "granted Jerome Boateng a delayed arrival," adding: "The FC Bayern Munich defender won't join up with the rest of the squad until Wednesday. He will be available for the encounter with Gibraltar."