Grosskreutz handed call-up

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Kevin Grosskreutz has been included in the Germany squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Turkey and Kazakhstan.

The 22-year-old is the only new face in coach Joachim Loew’s 22-man party with Mainz duo Lewis Holtby and Andre Schurrle having to settle for places with the U-21.

“There are several young players who have played their way into the reckoning with their performances in the Bundesliga and, after discussion with (U-21 coach) Rainer Adrion, we have decided that they (Holtby and Schurrle) should first be given 90 minutes of match practice for them,” explained Loew.

“The situation is different with Grosskreutz since he is no longer eligible for the U-21s.”

However, the chances of Grosskreutz making his debut in the next two matches appear slim.

“In our current situation, it is not necessary to make huge changes,” added Loew.

“We have a lot of faith in our tried and tested team which appeared at the World Cup and fulfilled the expectations in the Euro qualifiers in September.”

Indeed, 17 members of Loew’s 23-man World Cup squad are included in his latest selection for the visit of Turkey in Berlin next Friday and the trip to Astana the following Tuesday.