Boateng out
November 16, 2014
Wolfsburg defender Robin Knoche has been called-up to the German national team for the first time as a replacement for Bayern's Jerome Boateng.
Boateng is the latest casualty ahead of Germany's friendly on Tuesday in Vigo against Spain, dropping out due to a problem with his left-calf muscle.
Joachim Löw, the head coach, is now four of the 23 players that were originally selected for this double-header.
With 17 outfield players and two goalkeepers for the trip to Spain, 22-year-old Knoche nominated for his first stint with the full squad.
Knoche has become a regular cog at the back for Wolfsburg this season, combining with Brazilian Naldo to put together, perhaps, the best centre-back pairing in the division.
The Wolves are the closest challengers to league-leaders Bayern Munich, lying four points behind.
Löw is already without Gladbach's Christoph Kramer, Dortmund pair Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, Andre Schürrle and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Adding to that list, first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer has pulled out of the midweek clash after picking up a knee injury in the 4-0 win over Gibraltar on Friday.
Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, David de Gea and Diego Costa are all absentees for Germany's midweek opposition.
rd (AFP, AP)