Werder Bremen are prepared to cup-tie Mesut Ozil by throwing him into UEFA Champions League action.
The Bundesliga outfit are set to meet Sampdoria in a crucial play-off encounter, with a place in the group stages of Europe's premier club competition up for grabs.
With so much riding on the outcome of the two-legged encounter, Bremen are determined to field their strongest possible side.
That includes Ozil and general manager Klaus Allofs insists they will have no qualms about using the 21-year-old in continental competition.
The Germany international, who shot to prominence at this summer's World Cup, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer.
With just one year remaining on his current contract, Bremen have admitted that they may look to cash-in on Ozil now rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
FocusPlaying him in the Champions League would severely damage his value, as he would be ineligible to play for prospective new employers in Europe, but Allofs insists that is gamble they are willing to take.
"Our focus will be on sporting matters and we will not be giving consideration to potential transfer issues," he told Bild .
"Against Sampdoria, we will play with our strongest team."
Allofs has also refused to comment on reports claiming that Ozil has already agreed to join Spanish giants Real Madrid as a free agent next summer.
He told AS : "I won't be giving any interviews to anyone. I won't speak about Madrid or any other club."
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