Lukas ‘king of thumbs up’ Podolski says he’s pleased with how the rehab on his injured hamstring is going, but made clear he’ll not rush his return to first team action.

Speaking from his hometown Cologne where the German national team are set to play their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Ireland, the 28-year-old striker told local press that despite being eager to return he’s playing things by the book.

“I work hard every day in rehab and am satisfied with the healing process.

“It also does not help to rush things. I have a responsibility to the national team and to Arsenal. I won’t compromise my goals.

“I will not make the mistake of trying to return too early to the pitch.

Touching on the fact his country are playing at the home of his beloved former club Cologne, Podolski continued:

“An international match in Cologne, in my home, in my living room and I cannot be there. As you can probably imagine that’s particularly tough for me to swallow. As hard as it for me, I’ll just have to put up with itchy feet tonight.”

No doubt those itchy feet will end up on Instagram this evening with a whole host of weird and wacky hashtags. The nutter.