While Lukas Podolski seems to be more worried that his current ankle injury is going to keep him out of the Germany internationals, it is his form for Arsenal over this entire season that needs to concern him, which as been a lot closer to a failure than a success.

Arsene Wenger didn’t bring out the best in the 27 year old, costing eight figures to bring over from FC Koln after he scored 31 goals for the German team over the past two seasons. This year for Arsenal, Podolski took his time before getting on the scoresheet for the first time, but has rarely been consistent in his finishing or performances, scoring nine goals in the Premier League and producing a total haul of 14 goals in all competitions.

Being moved around – left wing to the center and on to the bench before the beginning of the cycle hasn’t helped. Podolski is used to having things based on his abilities, but as Joachim Low has learned in the German national team, those abilities are diminishing as in his 10th season of professional football.

The ankle injury that is currently badgering him might require surgery, although Podolski is sure of being able to bypass that requirement. He will be available, to a certain degree, for Arsene Wenger to use in the final two matches of the season, needing two wins and hoping Tottenham slip up along the way in order to ensure they don’t miss out on the Champions League.

Like the entire attacking force of Arsenal, the 2012-2013 season has been a disappointment. Olivier Giroud has been the preferred choice at striker for Arsene Wenger, but his goal production has been a disappointment, standing at 12 in the Premier League. Theo Walcott didn’t get enough chances and Gervinho has been erased from the rotation. Podolski? He was hot & cold, but mostly lukewarm, and with much to prove for next season, if he’ll still be in London after the summer.