Klose out of France friendly

Lazio striker Miroslav Klose will miss Germany’s friendly against France with a knee injury.

The veteran suffered a partial tear of his outer knee ligament in the 3-2 defeat at Genoa in Serie A on Sunday, which could force him out of action for several weeks.

“Klose most likely will not have to undergo surgery,” a statement on the DFB’s official website read.

“As a replacement, Sven Bender from Borussia Dortmund will be nominated. Bender will arrive at the team’s hotel in Frankfurt on Monday.”

Germany have already been hit by several withdrawals, with Borussia Dortmund trio Marcel Schmelzer (sprained ankle and throat infection, Marco Reus (groin strain) and Mario Goetze (viral infection) absent for the clash.