Germany coach Joachim Low has told some of his players that "the clock is ticking" on their chances of being in his World Cup squad, with Mesut Ozil reportedly one of those at risk of missing out.
The Arsenal midfielder has struggled to find his best form since his £42.5m move from Real Madrid last summer, and missed a penalty in the 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League tie.
"I've told the players, the clock is ticking. And only ones who hear it will have a fighting chance," Low is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
The newspaper also quotes World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus as saying that Ozil should be dropped and replaced by Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos.
"If Ozil is at his best, he can help, but the recent performances have raised doubts. If I compare him to those in Bayern's midfield, I think I'd rather have someone like Toni Kroos in the side than Ozil," Matthaus said.
Ozil was also left out of the Gunners squad for the 4-1 win against Sunderland in February.
Gary Peters
