Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has sought to allay concerns over his future at Arsenal by telling national coach Joachim Low that he would soon be back playing for the English Premier League leaders, despite his continued presence on the bench after recovering from injury.

"The situation is still the same: I am the number one at Arsenal. The manager has never indicated anything to me to the contrary," the 37-year-old told German daily Allgemeiner Zeitung.

"I am absolutely convinced that I am going to play again, I'm not worried at all that there will be any change."

However Lehmann has remained on the bench for the Gunners for several weeks now even though he has recovered from elbow and achilles tendon injuries, with Spain's Manuel Almunia continuing between the sticks.

The former Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund keeper has not played for Germany since the friendly against England on 22 August. Germany coach Joachim Low gave a form of ultimatium Thursday to Lehmann.

"We are going to wait until after the matches in October and November to see what happens. Obviously we hope that our players will get match practice with their clubs", he said.

"If the situation doesn't improve for Jens, we will have a meeting in December. I have already arranged one with him."

Germany need just a draw against Republic of Ireland on Saturday to seal qualification for UEFA EURO 2008. They are currently top Group D by two points from Czech Republic but are eight points clear of their Irish opponents.