Germany’s Bender to miss two WC qualifiers

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Lars Bender. (AP/Frank Augstein)

FRANKFURT, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender will miss Germany’s two World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan because of a foot injury.

The German Football Federation says Bender has inflammation in his left heel. Coach Joachim Loew has not called up a replacement.

Germany plays Kazakhstan in Astana on Friday and in Nuremberg four days later.

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