Bayern Munich duo Mario Gotze and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been forced to pull out of Germany's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Austria and the Faroe Islands.
Schweinsteiger is still recovering from an ankle problem that forced him to miss last week's UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea, with his omission from international duty believed to be a precaution.
Germany coach Joachim Low will also be without Gotze after he suffered an ankle problem of his own against Chelsea under a challenge from Ramires, which saw the Brazilian pick up a second yellow card.
Gotze is likely to miss at least two weeks with the knock, which makes him extremely doubtful for next weekend's Bundesliga clash between Bayern and Hannover.
Low is already without Ilkay Gundogan and Lukas Podolski through injury for the World Cup double-header, but he is yet to draft in any replacements.
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
