Gomez, Khedira receive Germany call

Joachim Loew has named Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira among his 23-man party for Germany’s friendly with France on February 6.

The Bayern Munich striker and Real Madrid midfielder missed Germany’s scoreless draw against Netherlands in November due to injury, but have returned to full match fitness again.

Schalke midfielder Roman Neustadter has been dropped from the team that took on the Dutch three months ago, while Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber remains unavailable due to injury.

Bayer Leverkusen attacker Stefan Kiessling was expected to get a call-up for the match versus France following his fine performances this season, but misses out.

New Tottenham signing Lewis Holtby has not been included either.

The France friendly is an opportunity for Lazio striker Miroslav Klose to equal Gerd Muller as Germany’s all-time top scorer.

The 34-year-old has netted 67 times so far, and is only one goal short of the 1974 World Cup winner.

Germany squad:
Goalkeepers: Rene Adler, Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Benedikt Howedes, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Heiko Westermann
Midfielders: Lars Bender, Julian Draxler, Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Oezil
Forwards: Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Mueller, Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle