Lukas Podolski has hit back at critics in Turkey who have been having a little go at the former Arsenal man who is currently out injured.

Poldi opted to return to Germany in order to treat the thigh injury that he picked up and this has come in for criticism from the press in Turkey.

“Here I have the confidence. And I’m doing everything that I am soon back on the pitch. I am here in Germany for the treatment, because I have always done so,” Podolski told SPORT1.

“It takes four to five weeks, but it may be another week or less.

“Because I give them nothing, in the Turkish media [there] is almost speculation every day,” he added.

Galatasaray's German forward Lukas Podolski reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Galatasaray AS and FC Astana at the Turk Telekom Arena in Istanbul on December 8, 2015. AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE / AFP / OZAN KOSE
Galatasaray’s German forward Lukas Podolski reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Galatasaray AS and FC Astana at the Turk Telekom Arena in Istanbul on December 8, 2015. AFP PHOTO / OZAN KOSE / AFP / OZAN KOSE

“We see over and over again: When I’m playing, then I meet the templates and play well, I’ve now done in the first round 20 games, everything from the beginning – so I am satisfied..”

The 30-year-old has eight goals in the league this season, as well as four assists in just 17 appearances – an average of a goal every 178 minutes. With two goas in the Champions League as well, he has a total of 10 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.

This latest problem, which sees him struggle with both thigh and ankle issues, is his fourth injury of the season and has meant that he has missed Galatsaray’s last seven games.