Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has been dropped by Germany for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.
The playmaker finds himself on the sidelines along with Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira as the World Cup winners aim to finalise their place at Russia 2018.
“With Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, I assume that they will be better rested during the international break,” Germany head coach Joachim Low said. “This is more important to them at the moment. What is crucial to us is that our players are in peak condition next year. ”
Germany have not yet booked their place at the World Cup finals, though a point against Northern Ireland in Belfast would suffice.
