Brazil national team boss Tite left Roberto Firmino out of his squad for two end-of-season friendlies because of fatigue, a decision the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) discussed with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Brazil played two matches in Australia last month, with Firmino absent from both fixtures.
Firmino's Liverpool teammate, Philippe Coutinho, played 90 minutes against Argentina before captaining his country for the first time in a 4-0 win over Australia four days later.
"Klopp asked Edu [Gaspar, CBF director] for a call forecast because he needed to make plans for the team for the season," Tite told GQ magazine.
"Then we decided to rush the process to be able to pass the 'inside information' to Klopp. I had all the information from Liverpool's medical department about Roberto Firmino and Coutinho. Of the two, I did not summon Firmino.
"We knew Firmino was not in his best physical condition. He was playing because they were decisive matches to try and qualify for the Champions League. He would play for the club because they needed it, he would play for 75 minutes and come off.
"So it was leading up to that. Since I want the best for the national team, but also for the club, I chose not to call the Firmino. Of course Klopp would also love it if I did not call either of them!"
Firmino was one of the players who returned to Liverpool preseason training at Melwood on Wednesday, while Coutinho will report back at a later date following his international commitments.