Germany duo pull out of Kazakhstan game

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez and Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes have both pulled out of the Germany squad for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Gomez, who missed the reverse fixture in Astana on Friday night due to a muscular injury, has failed to recover fully and has already left the national team’s base near Nuremberg to return to Munich.

Howedes also has a muscular injury and has returned to Gelsenkirchen after being unable to take part in Germany’s final training session this morning.

The Germany national team doctors have decided it makes more sense for them to return to their clubs for treatment rather than sit in the stands at the Frankenstadion tonight.

Losing Gomez means coach Joachim Low will once again employ the system without a recognised striker against Kazakhstan, whom they beat 3-0 on Friday.