Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have been axed by Joachim Low for Germany's crucial World Cup showdown with Sweden in Sochi.
Germany head coach Low defended Ozil in the build-up to Saturday's Group F fixture at Fisht Stadium after the underperforming Arsenal attacker was heavily scrutinised following a shock loss to Mexico.
However, Low dropped Ozil for the game after 26 successive starts in major tournaments, with Germany's World Cup status in the balance.
Khedira was also benched following a forgettable performance against Mexico for the world champions, with Marco Reus and Sebastian Rudy named in the starting XI.
TEAM NEWS Here's how line up for our Group F clash with June 23, 2018
A neck injury, as expected, forced Mats Hummels out of the side, with the experienced defender replaced by Antonio Rudiger, while full-back Marvin Plattenhardt made way for Jonas Hector, who missed the Mexico loss through illness.
There was talk veteran striker Mario Gomez could join Timo Werner up front in a 4-4-2 formation but Low resisted the temptation to sway from his usual 4-3-3 system.
And the players are out inspecting the pitch.Germany played in Sochi four times en route to winning last year’s Confederations Cup.June 23, 2018
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
‘He’ll still be playing at 40 at a good level because he’s in such good shape and looks after himself so well. He does everything to be a top professional’: Ex-Liverpool coach insists Mohamed Salah has plenty more miles in the tank
