Schalke 04 offensive midfielder Julian Draxler has been ruled out of Germany's friendly international against Paraguay on Wednesday after picking up an injury in their Bundesliga opener, the German football association said on Monday.

 The 19-year-old sustained a heel injury and a cut in their 3-3 draw against Hamburg SV on Sunday as Schalke kicked off their Bundesliga season. Coach Joachim Loew is not planning to call up a replacement.

Germany start their international season against the South Americans in Kaiserslautern as they prepare to book their spot for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Germany are top of their World Cup qualifying group on 16 points from six games, five ahead of Austria whom they play on Sept. 6 before travelling to the Faroe Islands four days later. Sweden and Ireland also have 11 points.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)