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Loew announces Germany's squad for upcoming international ties

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Germany coach Joachim Loew announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming matches against Australia and Georgia, the German Soccer Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday.

Loew appointed 16 players from the World Cup winning squad of 2014. The reigning FIFA world champions encounter Asian Cup winners Australia for a friendly on Wednesday before they clash Georgia in Euro 2016 qualifying tournament four days later.

Germany's team captain Bastian Schweinsteiger returned to the squad for the first time since the World Cup final, due to the injury.

"Bastian is our captain, he has great leadership qualities. We need him on the pitch. I am convinced that he will build on his strong performances he showed recently," Loew said.

Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Guendogan will also return to the squad after long-term injuries. Bayern's Badstuber made his last appearance in October 2012 meanwhile Guendogan played his last international match in August 2013.

"Both players moved on from long term injuries. I was touched to see Holger and Ilkay back on the pitch, moreover, I am impressed with how quickly they reached their high level again. It is amazing how they dealt with their situations. They have worked hard for months despite some setbacks and never lost their optimism."

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern), Roman Weidenfeller (Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover)

Defenders: Holger Badstuber (Bayern), Jerome Boateng (Bayern), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Sebastian Rudy (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders: Karim Bellarabi (Leverkusen), Ilkay Guendogan (Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Christoph Kramer (Monchengladbach), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern), Mesut Oezil (Arsenal London), Lukas Podolski (Internazional Milano), Marco Reus (Dortmund), Andre Schuerrle (Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern)

Strikers: Mario Goetze (Bayern), Max Kruse (Monchengladbach). Endi