Mesut Ozil is frustrating Germany coaches over his lack of effort at training.
Assistant boss Thomas Schneider says he wants to see more from the Arsenal star, who is “always having treatment.”
Ozil, 29, continues to struggle with back problems he suffered last season but was named in Germany’s initial 27-man squad.
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But German publication Faz claim boss Joachim Low is unhappy with Ozil’s performances at training.
And Schneider is quoted as saying: “We expect him (Ozil) to challenge himself in training.
“Mesut is always having treatment.”
Their training camp in Eppen, Italy, boiled over on Tuesday when Antonio Rudiger and Joshua Kimmich went head to head.
But Low reckons Germany’s “golden generation” will do the business in Russia.
The defending champions begin their World Cup against Mexico on June 17 and Low is brimming with confidence.
He said: “I have a very good feeling. I don’t know what will happen with this golden generation after the tournament.
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“It’s possible there will be a break-up. But all the players are on fire for the World Cup.”
Germany are one of the favourites in Russia despite the retirements of Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose since winning the tournament in Brazil four years ago.
Players such as Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller have grown into leading figures in the side.
They wrapped up qualification with 10 wins from 10 games and 43 goals, a record for a European team in qualifying.
Now they are charged with attempting to make Germany the first team to retain the title since Brazil in 1962.
Low insisted: “I don’t have to coax new craving or new enthusiasm from the players.
“The craving and ambition are still there, even among those who became world champions.”
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