Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil is likely to return to the German starting line-up in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Belgium, coach Joachim Loew said on Saturday.
Ozil missed Friday's 3-1 win over Turkey - which maintained Germany's perfect record in the qualifiers with nine wins from nine matches - because of an Achilles tendon injury but Loew expects him to be fit enough for the Belgian clash.
While Germany have already booked their ticket to Euro 2012 Belgium and Turkey are fighting it out for the runners-up spot which will give them a place in the play-offs.
Belgium presently have a one point lead over the Turks - semi-finalists in 2008 - but Turkey have an easier task in hosting Azerbaijan.
Loew sought to allay fears by the Turks that he would send out a weakened side.
"We are taking the Belgium match very seriously," said Loew.
"Also because we want to celebrate a new record of 10 victories in qualifiers.
"Ozil will probably play, and I also intend to play Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan and rest Mario (Gotze).
"But you can't replace the whole team because we don't want to lose our rhythm."
Source: AFP
