Germany stars rested for Poland football friendly

Germany stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer are all to be rested for Tuesday's friendly against Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland in Gdansk, while defender Benedikt Hoewedes is doubtful.

Hoewedes is struggling with a groin strain and faces a race against time to be fit while Germany coach Joachim Loew has decided to rest vice-captain Schweinsteiger, playmaker Ozil and goalkeeper Neuer.

Having all played in the 6-2 victory over Austria on Friday night which confirmed Germany's place at Euro 2012, the trio left the national team camp on Saturday afternoon to return home for individual training.

"My decision is part of our sporting concept," said Loew in a statement on the German Football Federation (DFB) website.

"I've always said that those players who play numerous league games, cup competitions and international tournaments in a single season need to be rested if it is possible and meaningful.

"This will give the players concerned the chance to put in some individual training and we can use the opportunity to give young players a chance and to test them."

The 18-man German squad will travel to Gdansk on Monday, but Hoewedes, of Schalke, is battling to be fit after straining a ligament during the win over Austria in Gelsenkirchen.

He is expected to train with the national team on Sunday.

Germany are expected to base themselves in the Baltic resort of Sopot, near Gdansk, for the Euro 2012 finals, which will be held from June 8 to July 1 in Poland and Ukraine.