Schalke have said they are "surprised" by U.S. under-20 coach Tab Ramos' claim that they did not want to release midfielder Weston McKennie for the Under-20 World Cup, media director Thomas Spiegel has told ESPN FC.
The tournament runs from May 20 until June 11, but although there are several Germany-based U.S. youngsters eligible to take part, no player from a Bundesliga academy was selected to represent the U.S. in group games against Ecuador, Senegal and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this week, Ramos hit out at Schalke for not releasing McKennie or Nick Taitague, who play for the club's U19 side.