Berlin, Sept 4: Germany coach Joachim Loew has called up Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender for this week's friendly against Poland.
The German football federation said Loew called up the 22-year-old Bender on Sunday—a day after he decided to rest three of Germany's key players for Tuesday's game in Gdansk.
It's the first time Bender has been included in the national squad.
Loew had only 18 players left after deciding Saturday to do without Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Oezil, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and No. 1 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer—also of Bayern.
Germany beat Austria 6-2 on Friday to become the first team to qualify for the 2012 European Championship. AP
