The Arsenal frontman suffered a thigh injury in Die Mannschaft’s last group stage win over the USA last week.
An MRI scan after the game revealed a small tear in his thigh, thus ruling him out of Germany’s knockout encounter in Porto Alegre, yet coach Joachim Low said the 29-year-old would still be available for future matches in the tournament should his side progress.
"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," said Low.
Bayern Munich's Mario Goetze is set to replace Podolski on the left as Germany look to beat Algerian for the first time in their history, having lost in both their previous meetings in the past.
And captain Philipp Lahm knows it’s do-or-die against the Fennec Foxes in tonight’s match-up.
"We're in the knockout phase - either you deliver or you go home," he said.
"We have had great teams in the past and this squad has great potential, but we have to take it a round at a time and play aggressively.”
The 30-year-old believes his side are stronger than his African opposition, but knows they have to prove their worth on the field of play.
“I think we are the better team, but we have to prove that on the pitch," said the Bayern Munich star.
Kick-off between the two sides is scheduled for 10pm South African time.
--------------------------
