Mesut Ozil has come to the defence of under-fire forward Lukas Podolski.

Once again voted the worst inter Milan player this weekend, Poldi has struggled since his move on loan to Italy and his compatriot has been defending him.

In comments made before his latest poor display, Ozil said of Poldi’s struggles when asked about the forward’s ‘humiliation’

“We still keep in touch. He must not doubt himself now.

“Poldi has superior qualities and is experienced enough to deal with such a difficult situation.

“The expectations in Milan of Lukas are, of course, huge.

“It takes a little time. Then he will take off.”

Lukas Podolski and Mesut Oezil of Arsenal (R) share a joke during an Arsenal training session ahead
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Lukas Podolski and Mesut Oezil of Arsenal (R) share a joke during an Arsenal training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group D match against Galatasaray at London Colney on September 30, 2014 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

It’s not clear what the future holds for Podolski but it would seem like his time at Inter will be brief and while he has been laying the groundwork for a return to Arsenal it is unlikely that he has a future in north London.

With a number of players ahead of him in the pecking order and an unwillingness to acknowledge that he needs to work harder at his all-round game, there would seem to be no room for him in the Arsenal squad.

Still only 29, Podolski has a number of playing years left. At what level that would be, is also hard to say.