Mesut Ozil will be a key player for Germany again despite being dropped for Saturday's crucial 2-1 win over Sweden, Marco Reus has said.
Reus, 29, made his first World Cup start as Germany revitalised their campaign after the defeat to Mexico, getting the nod ahead of Arsenal midfielder Ozil.
It was the first time Ozil had neither started nor featured for Germany in a major tournament match.
He had been strongly criticised by sections of the German media for his performance against Mexico, but later posted a photograph on Instagram of himself and Reus with the message: "We are one team, on and off the pitch, no matter what they say."
"It just shows that Mesut, despite not playing, is with the team, and is there for us," Reus told a news conference.
"He's just an extremely important player for us. He's one of the best players in the world, and I am more than convinced we'll see him in this tournament again."
Germany take on South Korea in their final group match on Wednesday when they will be without defender Jerome Boateng, who was sent off for two bookings against Sweden.
They may also have to do without midfielder Sebastian Rudy, who suffered a broken nose 26 minutes into the match.
"We must be prepared that he can't play," Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg said, adding that Mats Hummels could return after missing the match with a neck injury.
Germany must beat South Korea by two or more goals to avoid complications on a path to the knockout stages, with other scenarios possibly leading to the group winner and second-placed team decided by Fair Play or the drawing of lots.
"If it comes down to it, it would certainly be a difficult constellation. It [a drawing of lots] would be bizarre, but there'd be nothing for us players left to do," Reus said.
Marcus Bark of German broadcaster ARD TV reported that, if necessary, it would happen ahead of the group E match between Brazil and Serbia.