FIFA World Cup: Podolski ruled out of Algeria clash

Brasilia: Germany forward Lukas Podolski has been ruled out of Monday`s World Cup last 16 clash against Algeria in Porto Alegre with a thigh injury.

The 29-year-old Arsenal star -- who is at his third World Cup finals -- suffered the injury in Germany`s 1-0 win over the USA on Thursday in their final group stage match and an MRI scan on Saturday revealed a small tear. "Lukas must rest for two or three days, but should we progress in the tournament it won`t be a problem for him to play," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. With Podolski out, Bayern Munich`s Mario Goetze is set to take his place on the left wing. Germany`s right-back Jerome Boateng also missed training on Saturday with a knee irritation, but Loew said it will be "no problem" for the Bayern Munich defender to play.