Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are to co-star together in new action-thriller The Tomb.

The muscle men are both awaiting shoulder surgery after working together on The Expendables 2, but can't wait to get back into action.

Arnie tweeted a picture of himself and Sly lying in hospital beds next to each other, saying: "After all the action, stunts & physical abuse shooting The Expendables 2 and The Last Stand, it was time for a little tune up on my shoulder.

"Look who was coincidentally waiting in line behind me for his shoulder surgery. Now we're ready for another round of great times and action when we shoot The Tomb. Great to be back."

The Tomb will star Stallone as Ray Bresli, the world's top expert on structural security and prison designer. But all his knowledge of high security prisons will be put under test when he finds himself having to escape from his own state-of-the-art prison.

Arnie will play Church, a prison inmate who helps the other prisoners in their struggle to stay alive.

The film, directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikael Hafstrom, is due to begin filming in Louisiana in the spring.

Producer Mark Canton said in a statement: "I am thrilled to be making The Tomb with two film icons - Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"It is the perfect pairing for this high octane thriller."