Podolski & Ozil skip Germany training
Reuters - Thursday 01 July 2010, 10:13
ERASMIA - German players
Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil skipped training on Thursday as a
precautionary measure to be fit in time for their World Cup
quarter-final clash against Argentina on Saturday.
Podolski had broken off training
on Wednesday, complaining
about a minor muscle problem while playmaker Ozil remained in
the team hotel, feeling unwell. Neither are expected to miss the
match in Cape Town.
"Lukas
Podolski has a minor muscle problem but there is no
danger (of him missing) the game," team manager Oliver Bierhoff
told reporters.
Ozil, who
has been outstanding in Germany's run to the last
eight, was kept out of training to conserve his energy.
"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.
Cacau, who has
been nursing an abdominal muscle strain and
missed their second round win over England last week, was also
absent and the 29-year-old striker was doubtful for the match.
"His participation looks
unlikely," Bierhoff said.
Germany are flying to Cape Town later on Thursday.
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