Arsenal's Podolski hopes to avoid ankle op

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has said he hopes to not need an ankle operation at the end of the season which would rule him out of Germany's tour to the USA later this month. "I have a few problems with the ankle, but I don't think surgery is necessary at the end of the season," the Gunners star, who has scored 14 goals during his first season in London, told German Sky Sports. "After the season, I will decide together with the doctors and physiotherapists what's best for my health." With Arsenal fourth in the Premier League, the Gunners have two games left to secure their Champions League place for next season with rivals Tottenham Hotspur just two points behind, but with a game in hand. Arsenal host Wigan at home on May 14, then travel to Newcastle on May 19. Germany fly to the US for a short tour to face Ecuador in Boca Raton, Florida, on May 29, and then the US, coached by former Germany trainer Jurgen Klinsmann, in Washington on June 2. German coach Joachim Loew will be without his first-choice Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund stars, who make up much of the German as those two clubs meet in the Champions League final on May 25. It means Podolski, who has made 108 appearances for Germany, scoring 44 goals, would be needed more than ever. From: AFP