Just when we thought the German might get a start, it seems the player will not be available.

Pulling out of training citing an injury, Lukas Podolski has not travelled with the squad to Southampton for the game on New Year’s Day.

With Olivier Giroud suspended and Danny Welbeck a doubt it had been thought that Podolski, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club during this window, would get the nod to start.

Not so it seems after the Mirror reported that he ‘stormed out’ of London Colney on Wednesday.

He didn’t train with the side claiming that he has a groin injury but the tabloid is reporting that the player is furious with the uncertainty hanging over his future and that he has not travelled for Thursday’s game.

If that’s true, I’m not entirely sure what uncertainty he has as Arsene Wenger has repeatedly said he wants the World Cup winner to stay but the Arsenal manager also highlighted the need for the player to be ‘professional’.

It is claimed that

…the 29-year-old forward was furious because his future is uncertain. He fears Arsenal are blocking a potential move to Inter Milan.

Podolski has been in no rush to leave the Gunners and has great affection for the club and its fans, but he has finally lost patience at barely getting a look-in for the starting XI.

Rumours emerged on Twitter on Wednesday night that Joel Campbell will get a surprise nod to start the game.

The Mirror report that Arsenal declined to comment on the situation.