Arsenal stars Ozil, Mertesacker and Podolski will MISS start of the season

ARSENE WENGER has revealed Arsenal's trio of World Cup winners will miss the start of the Premier League season.

Arsene Wenger, Wenger, Arsenal, Ozil, Podolski, MertesackerLukas Podolski (left), Per Mertsacker (centre) and Mesut Ozil (right) are on extended breaks[GETTY]

Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski were part of Germany's triumphant squad in Brazil and have been granted extra time off before returning to London.

Arsenal are currently in the USA for their pre-season tour but the trio are not with them.

And Wenger admits it is unlikely any of the three will be ready for the Gunners' Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 16.

"I have given them a good break because I have experience of players who have been in the World Cup Final," Wenger said. "You need a rest.

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"Will they be ready? Mertesacker prepares well - but for the first game... I don't think they will be ready for August 16."

"A post-World Cup year is always very difficult and short, the World Cup Final was July 13 and the start of the Premier League is August 16.

"From FIFA we are obliged to give four weeks' holiday to the players, so I don't know how all that works together.

"It looks impossible to me. A post-World Cup year is always very difficult for every big club because the players have been away."

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