Germany's only striker Gomez ruled out
Reuters - Friday 22 March 2013, 12:59
Germany will be without a striker when they take on Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier later on Friday after forward Mario Gomez was ruled out with a thigh muscle injury.
Gomez, the only striker left in the squad after Miroslav Klose was ruled out weeks ago with an injury, was hurt during the final training session late on Thursday evening, the German football association said.
"The 27-year-old will not be training for about two days," it said in a statement.
Germany coach Joachim Low's dilemma whether to play without an out-and-out striker has accordingly been lifted with offensive midfielder Mario Gotze, favoured to start even before Gomez's injury, securing the starting spot.
Germany, who are top of the 2014 World Cup qualifying Group C with 10 points from four games with Sweden in second place on seven from three matches, next play Kazakhstan at home on March 26.