Just checked the Kicker website, and the injury issues are adding up. Neuling Marco Reus is definitely out of the Uruguay game, and given that this was the fixture he might have been looking to start, it is looking unlikely that he will begin his career in the Schwarz und Weiß until next season. Also under observation is Lukas Podolski, but hopefully this is just a precautionary measure.
As for Nationaltrainer Jogi Löw’s starting XI, it looks like it is going be something like this:
Neuer – Lahm, A. Friedrich, Hummels, Schmelzer – Träsch, Kroos – Schürrle, Özil, Podolski – Gomez
As I expected, this potential starting eleven is a solid mix of seasoned campaigners and new boys, though I am surprised that both Mario Götze and Benedikt Höwedes are on the bench – unless of course they are being saved for the more important games against Austria and Azerbaijan.
Mario Gómez being named as the sole forward is also worth noting – if he can continue where he left off at the end of the season with Bayern, it will be very interesting when it comes to the team that starts against Austria on Friday: if Gómez gets on the scoresheet against the Uruguayans, will Jogi Löw stick with him? Or will he turn to the tried and tested Miro Klose, who despite having a poor domestic season has scored eight goals in the five Euro 2012 qualifiers played so far?