Lukas Podolski Injury: Updates on Germany Star's Thigh and Return

Germany forward Lukas Podolski will miss his side's crucial World Cup last 16 clash on Monday against Algeria in Porto Alegre because of a thigh injury.

Podolski picked up the knock in Germany's 1-0 victory against the United States on Thursday, which saw them through to the knockout rounds as Group G winners.    

He will play no part against Algeria as confirmed by Germany coach Joachim Low, via FIFA.com:

"Lukas must rest for two or three days, but should we progress in the tournament it won't be a problem for him to play."  

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The 29-year-old Arsenal forward made his first start of the tournament in Brazil against the U.S. having appeared from the bench in their opener against Portugal, but he had to be substituted at half-time.

Bayern Munich's Mario Goetze will likely fill Podolski's left-wing spot for the Algeria clash. It is a testament to the quality and depth of the German squad that they can bring in such a strong replacement for the injured Podolski.

Low's side are heavy favourites to beat Algeria—through to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time—and should likely meet France for an all-European quarter-final clash if they do claim victory on Monday.

Germany have reached at least the semi-finals of the World Cup in the three previous tournaments but did not not go on to win on any of those occasions, their last triumph coming back in 1990. A win against Algeria would see them one step closer to changing that.

Along with Podolski, right-back Jerome Boateng was also feared to be a doubt for Monday's game, but Low confirmed he will indeed be fit.

Thus, as Bundesliga journalist Cristian Nyari points out, the final selection issue for Germany ahead of the match is which one of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira will start in the middle of the park:

Low will be eager to see Podolski return should Germany win on Monday as he provides a fine attacking option. But they should be able to see off Algeria without him.