Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann will have to wait until May before learning who will be Germany's number one at this summer's World Cup.

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann is yet to give his full backing to either Bayern Munich's Kahn or Arsenal's Lehmann and a final decision is not expected until a month before the finals begin.

It had been rumoured that an announcement was imminent, but Klinsmann's assistant Oliver Bierhoff has told DSF television that the decision will come in a few weeks.

"The fact is Jurgen will decide in early May and that is a clear statement," he said.

Klinsmann has been criticised for his decision to rotate the two goalkeepers, who have publicly feuded as competition for the place increases.

Despite seeing both men perform in a number of friendlies, Klinsmann seems no closer to making a decision and the pair's progress will now be closely monitored at club level.

Bierhoff claims there is little between them at present.

"Kahn had a good year in 2004 but since the decision was made to rotate them, they have both made significant improvements," he said.

"Their performances, character, and experience will all be factors (in the decision), but it may also take a gut feeling."

Arsenal's progress in the Champions League may give Lehmann an advantage as he should get more opportunities to prove himself against top level competition - starting with the visit of Juventus on Tuesday.