A GLANCE AT the squad Joachim Loew has at his disposal would send shivers down the spines of just about ever every international defence in the world.
Names such as Mesut Özil, Mario Götze, Thomas Mueller, Andre Schurrle, Julian Draxler, Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger would get into most of Europe’s top sides and Ireland undoubtedly face a huge challenge to come away from Cologne with anything other than comprehensive defeat.
That said, the Germans are missing a raft of first team stars. Loew has just one recognised striker in Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Max Kruse due to injuries to Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and the fact that he has fallen out with the current top centre forward in the Bundesliga, Stefan Kiessling.
And that’s not all with a total of eight top players absent through injury.
Mario Gomez
The former Bayern Munich hitman, now teaming up with Giuseppi Rossi at Fiorentina, remains a class act but is not expected back in action until November because of a knee injury.
Miroslav Klose
Credit: Matthias Schrader/AP/Press Association Images
At 35, the joint all-time record German goalscorer is probably past his best but has been quoted as saying he has two more years in him. The Lazio man is currently recovering from foot surgery.
Marco Reus
Anyone who didn't know Marco Reus before Ireland's game last year will surely have remembered his name after a stunning display which produced two goals. Borussia Dortmund and Germany are without one of their best players as he has torn ankle ligaments.
Marcel Schmelzer
Left-back Marcel Schmelzer also played in Dublin last October and set up Reus' first with a good run. He is halfway through a three-week spell on the sidelines with a thigh tear.
Ilkay Gündogan
Another Borussia Dortmund star, unsung hero and holding midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been out since August but was forced to delay a comeback two weeks ago after failing to recover from a back injury.
Lukas Podolski
Arsenal's Lukas Podolski suffered a tear in his hamstring during a Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce back in August but expects to return for the Gunners in November.
Lars and Sven Bender
24-year-old twins Lars (Bayer Leverkusen) and Sven (Borussia Dortmund) are also both sidelined with injuries.
