Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal's German core, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, and Per Mertesacker, will all miss the beginning of the 2014-15 English Premier League season.
The trio were all part of the German national team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, beating Argentina 1-0 at the famous Maracana stadium back in July 13.
Former Real Madrid star Ozil in particular played a full 120 minutes during the clash, causing Le Prof to worry over his die Mannschaft stars' fitness.
"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," the long-serving French manager stated.
"Will they be ready? Mertesacker prepares well - but for the first game ... I don't think they will be ready for August 16."
Arsenal's German trio Ozil, Podolski, and Mertesacker were all part of the German national team that went all the way to win the 2014 World Cup
Thus, they will miss the beginning of Arsenal's 2014-15 EPL campaign
The Gunners' German players played a pivotal role in Arsenal's 2013-14 season, one which saw the North London side end their 9-season trophy drought by winning the FA Cup, with former Werder Bremen center-back Per Mertesacker forming a resilient back line with fellow defender Laurent Koscielny.
"A post-World Cup year is always very difficult and short; the World Cup final was July 13 and the start of the Premier League is August 16. From Fifa we are obliged to give four weeks' holiday to the players so I don't know how all that works together. It looks impossible to me.
"A post-World Cup year is always very difficult for every big club because the players have been away."
The Gunners kick off their campaign on August 16 as they host Crystal Palace at the Emirates.
Will Arsenal kick off their campaing with a bang without their die Mannschaft stars?
