Injuries have forced two of Germany's star attackers to be held out of training ahead of Saturday's quarterfinal against Argentina, though team officials say the move was precautionary.
Mesut Oezil, Lukas Podolski Held-Out Of Germany World Cup Training
Lukas Podolski, the team's starting left wing, began practice on Wednesday and then pull-out, complaining of a muscle problems. He was held out entirely on Wednesday with what was being described as a "minor" problem:
“Lukas Podolski has a minor muscle problem but there is no danger (of him missing) the game,” team manager Oliver Bierhoff told reporters.Podolski has started all four World Cup 2010 matches for Germany, scoring two goals, bringing his career total in World Cups to five.
Mesut Ozil, playing in his first World Cup, has been one of the tournament’s break-out stars, leading the German attack from his central, attacking midfield position. He has been kept out of training after generally feeling unwell, with the German team seeking to conserve his strength:
“Sometimes it is maybe better to skip a training session instead of extending the fatigue you have,” Bierhoff said, adding that Ozil was also expected to be fully fit in time for the match.With both players expected to be fit, Germany’s only injury absence is expected to be striker Cacau, who started the team’s third World Cup match in place of suspended Miroslav Klöse, but has since been sidelined with an abdominal strain.
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