Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits he may have to leave Arsenal this winter to preserve his place in the national team squad ahead of Euro 2008.
Although he is currently Germany coach Joachim Low's number one, the former Borussia Dortmund man has slipped behind Manuel Almunia in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
Lehmann and Low are set for talks around Christmas and, if the situation at Arsenal does not alter, Low may advise him to change clubs.
And Lehmann now concedes that could be a consideration.
"Given what the Germany coach says, I will have to see how things are in December," he told Germany's Kicker magazine today.
"I definitely want to play at Euro 2008. Playing there has always been my aim."
Lehmann would even consider dropping down a level - just so long as he can get a regular game.
"The Bundesliga is always attractive and is an option, and maybe the German second division is too," he said.
The 38-year-old has not given up hope of dislodging Almunia and returning to the Arsenal goal, however.
He said: "The situation is as it is. It is only important what the manager decides and I am using this phase to train intensively every day.
"The manager knows I am highly motivated. I would like to play again soon and expect that I will do.
"I would be very surprised if that was not the case."
Arsene Wenger has insisted Lehmann still has plenty of time to break back into the Arsenal team before any decision needs to be made over his future at the club.
The German international signed a new 12-month deal earlier this year but will be free to talk to other clubs in January.
Asked whether he was prepared to risk that Wenger said: "If the situation is still like this in January we will see. We are still in November. November and December is plenty of time to win his place back.
"He is up for the challenge because he is 200% professional."
