Euro 2012: Per Mertesacker called up by Germany

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has been named in Germany's preliminary 27-man squad for Euro 2012.

The 27-year-old centre-back has not played since 11 February because of ankle ligament damage.

Cologne forward Lukas Podolski, whois joining Mertesacker at the Emirates next season, is also in the squad which will be trimmed down to 23 on 29 May. 

Germany coach Joachim Loew said: "We spoke with Per and he has put in a lot of effort in getting back to fitness." 

He added: "I spoke to him and his coach Arsene Wenger yesterday. We agreed that he will fly with the squad to Sardinia on Friday. 

Mertesacker at Arsenal

The German made 27 appearances in his first season in England following his summer move from Werder Bremen 

"Wenger said he is not ready to play yet so he has welcomed us taking him with us for training. 

"He has got to get back to competitive levels of fitness and we hope to get him there over the coming weeks."

Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, 18, and Borussia Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 19, are the uncapped players in the squad. 

Former Manchester United youth-team goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler is also in the squad, as is ex-Manchester City full-back Jerome Boateng.