BERLIN – Germany coach Joachim Loew knew he would have to inject fresh legs into his squad to replace veterans after the World Cup.
But a raft of injuries means he had had to delve deep into his playing stocks for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland.
With former captain Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose ending their international careers after the tournament in Brazil in July, Loew was already forced to replace several first choice players.
Against Poland on Saturday, however, the coach will also be without more than half a dozen key players.
The players are: new captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marco Reus, Benedikt Hoewedes, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Marcel Schmelzer and Mario Gomez. [eap_ad_2] To fill the void, Loew has recalled Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Max Kruse, who did not make the World Cup squad, and in-form Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi, courted also by Morocco.
“We had him on our list for some time,” said Loew of the 24-year-old Bellarabi.
“In the games against Poland and Ireland we have the chance to increase our lead at the top and move away from the competition.”
Germany, top of the group following their opening win over Scotland, play Ireland in Gelsenkirchen next week.
“Karim Bellarabi has earned his chance after several outstanding performances for his club. He is very strong in one-on-one situations and an outstanding alternative for our attack,” Loew said.
“Kruse has been equally impressive since the start of the season and will fill the void in attack left by the absence of Klose and Gomez.
Mario Goetze is also an option up front against the Poles. (Reuters/NAN) [eap_ad_3]
