MATS Hummels expects "world-class" Mesut Ozil to be in the Arsenal team that faces Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight.
The pair lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and know each other well from their time on the international stage.
Ozil travels to the Allianz Arena with the rest of Arsenal's squad on the back of manager Arsene Wenger questioning his confidence after Saturday's 2-0 win over Hull.
The 28-year-old has not scored for the Gunners since December 10 and has been accused of being on the periphery of games in recent weeks.
That led to Wenger claiming he was suffering with his self-belief and reports that Ozil could be dropped for the round of 16 tie.
But Hummels expects his compatriot to start, even if he hopes Arsenal's club-record signing endures a poor evening.
"For me it was a surprise that Mesut is doubtful to play," said the Bayern defender.
"He is a world-class player and someone who is always put on the field. I think he will be on the pitch tomorrow from the first minute because he is a class player.
"We have to make him play not good tomorrow because that would be bad for the result. Every offensive player has their good and bad moments.
"It is not something you can project on one player. There is not one player who delivers in every game."
While Ozil's recent performances have been under the spotlight, Wenger has again seen a minority of fans calling for him to leave.
The 67-year-old has watched his side lose two of their last three games and drop out of the Premier League title race.
With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, some supporters are urging him to end his 20-year tenure.
But Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti, who came up against Wenger while manager of Chelsea, believes the Frenchman should now be immune to any criticism.
"Wenger has the experience to know that in our job it is normal to be criticised," said the Italian.
"For this reason he has no problems. He built a strong identity in this club, he built a really good style of football. I have a lot of respect for the job he has done at Arsenal.
"This group of players is really good, most of them are young with a lot of quality and they have a good mix of experience with younger players.
"Their most important players have a lot of quality. Alexis Sanchez, Ozil, (Theo) Walcott and (Olivier) Giroud - up front they are a really dangerous team."
