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Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Germany squad for their last two World Cup qualifiers
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Mesut Ozil dropped by Germany after poor Arsenal form and season hampered by injury

MESUT OZIL has been dropped by Germany for their last two World Cup qualifiers after a season plagued by injury and poor form.

Ozil has been left out of the squad for the matches against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan by manager Joachim Low.

 Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Germany squad for their last two World Cup qualifiers
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Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Germany squad for their last two World Cup qualifiersCredit: Reuters
 Mesut Ozil has seen his season hampered by poor form and injury
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Mesut Ozil has seen his season hampered by poor form and injuryCredit: Reuters

The Arsenal star made a substitute appearance last week in the 2-0 Premier League win over West Brom after recovering from a knee injury.

And he is pushing for a return to the Gunners starting line-up this weekend when Arsene Wenger's side take on Brighton at the Emirates.

But that has not been enough for Low to decide to include him in his group for the final two competitive matches before the World Cup in Russia next year.

Joining him on the sidelines are Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze and Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira.

Low has claimed that the decision to overlook Ozil and Khedira is partly down to the fact both have been struggling with injuries this season.

But the fact he has overlooked the Arsenal star when he is fit and able to play will be a big shock to the 28-year-old with Russia 2018 just on the horizon.

 Germany boss Joachim Low has decided to overlook Mesut Ozil for his squad
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Germany boss Joachim Low has decided to overlook Mesut Ozil for his squadCredit: Reuters
 Mesut Ozil was fit enough to return for Arsenal last week but has not been picked by Germany
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Mesut Ozil was fit enough to return for Arsenal last week but has not been picked by GermanyCredit: Rex Features

Low said: "With Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, I assume that they will be better rested during the international break.

"This is more important to them at the moment. What is crucial to us is that our players are in peak condition next year. "

Germany have already guaranteed their spot in the finals next summer after winning all eight of their Group C matches.

Northern Ireland are already assured of finishing in second spot behind them although they are still not certain of a play-off spot to make it to Russia.

⚽ Ian Wright's Premier League Tips ⚽

Former striker Ian Wright selects his top tips for Saturday's action.

"Romelu Lukaku has started exactly as you’d want a £75m signing to start.

"Not only has he scored a load of goals but he’s also silenced those questioning his link-up play and the first touch.

"He’s the only player in my mind when it comes to the first goalscorer market - and I fancy United to get loads againsrt Crystal Palace."

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