Arsenal star Mesut Ozil will not be risked for Germany’s World Cup warm-up clash against Saudi Arabia, the German FA (DFB) have announced.
The 29-year-old’s participation in Russia 2018, however, is not under any threat as he simply has bruising on his knee, which restricted him to running during Thursday’s training session.
The defending world champions are slated to face the Saudis on Friday.
Leaving him out for the friendly match in Leverkusen on Friday is only a precaution, the DFB explained via a statement published on Twitter.
“Precautionary measure: Mesut Ozil could not complete the final team training in Eppan and instead completed an intensive running session. He is out with a slight bruise (left knee) for Germany vs Saudia Arabia,” the association confirmed.
Ozil will take part in his third World Cup in Russia, having participated in 2010 and been a winner in 2014.
The playmaker has won 90 caps for his national team and has scored 23 goals.