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Cape Town - Arsenal’s German trio will not play in their opening English Premiership encounter against Crystal Palace.
Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski were crowned SWC Champions with Germany and have since been given an extended break from returning to pre-season training with Arsenal.
“I have given them a good break because I have experience of players who have been in the World Cup Final. You need a rest,” Arsene Wenger said to the Daily Mirror.
The Gunners take on Palace on Saturday, August 16 meaning the German trio will only have taken part in two training sessions at most after returning to training only four days before kick-off.
Wenger has said that FIFA rules have made it difficult for him to have his players playing earlier, but knows how difficult it is for players post SWC.
“Will they be ready? Mertesacker prepares well - but for the first game... I don’t think they will be ready for August 16.”
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