Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng are the biggest names left out of Germany’s latest squad as they prepare for their final internationals of the year.
The DFB has confirmed their last 24-man squad of 2018 as Joachim Low’s side prepare for their Nations League crunch clash with Netherlands following a friendly against Russia.
Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno keeps his place in Ter Stegen’s absence following his fine domestic form in the Premier League but there is no room for team-mate Shkodran Mustafi to win his first cap of 2018.
Striker Mark Uth keeps his place from October’s squad while Juventus’ Emre Can is not selected due to injury following a thyroid operation.
Ter Stegen misses out to rest a shoulder issue but reports had claimed Bayern centre-half Boateng has been dropped following discussions with Low.
The 30-year-old, however, posted on Twitter that the absence from the international set-up was to help him get some rest.
"After a very good and reassuring conversation with the national team coach, we came to the conclusion that, after a hard year, I would get a break from the two upcoming internationals to work on my fitness in Munich," wrote Boateng.
"I wish my team all the best for the games against Russia and the Netherlands. Thanks to the national team coach!"
Low told the German Football Association (DFB) website: "I talked with Jerome. I am convinced he will benefit from a break.
"I told him that we have a lot of alternatives for his position, especially with young players. Obviously they still need to prove they can reach Jerome's level."
Boateng’s team-mate Serge Gnabry, who made a return to the international fold after almost two years against France, is retained following an impressive season for the Bundesliga holders.
Germany currently sit bottom of the Nations League A Group 1 table behind France and Netherlands with a solitary point, and cannot qualify for next summer’s finals.
They can, however, avoid an ignominious relegation to Nations League B providing France defeat the Dutch and they subsequently beat Ronald Koeman’s side by a greater scoreline when they meet on November 19.
They play Russia in a friendly four days earlier on November 15.
Germany squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Manuel Neuer, Kevin Trapp.
Defenders: Matthias Ginter, Jonas Hector, Mats Hummels, Thilo Kehrer, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schulz, Niklas Sule, Jonathan Tah.
Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Julian Draxler, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz, Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Sebastian Rudy, Leroy Sane.
Forwards: Thomas Muller, Mark Uth, Timo Werner.