BERLIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- German head coach Joachim Loew called up Mainz midfielder Lewis Holtby and Hoffenheim midfielder Sebastian Rudy as a late replacement for injured Real midfielder Sami Khedira and Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes, the German Soccer Association (DFB) announced on Sunday.

"Yesterday we decided that Sami Khedira is no longer available for us as we don't want to risk any injury. In consultation with him and the doctors we decided that he will not play," Loew said.

Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes leaves the German squad due to a strain. "Simon felt a slight pain ahead the match. After the magnetic resonance imaging the strain has been diagnosed," Loew said.

Therefore Loew decided to call up youngsters Lewis Holtby and Sebastian Rudy for the upcoming qualifier match against Azerbaijan June 7.