Germany rest Arsenal duo for Argentina friendly

Germany have left Arsenal duo Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker out of their squad for next week's friendly against Argentina.

German national coach Joachim Low told Sky Sports News: "The Premier League starts just three days after this game in Frankfurt.

"It is more important right now for Per, who was injured for a long time, and Lukas, who is fighting for his place as a newcomer, to be able to prepare for their upcoming tasks with their club."

Podolski and Mertesacker are currently in Germany preparing for Arsenal's final pre-season friendly against FC Cologne on Sunday.