Wolfsburg striker Mario Gomez will not be able to play for Germany in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of the "hardening of a buttock muscle," his club says.
Gomez was named to the German squad to face Czech Republic and and Northern Ireland but has now been forced to withdraw.
A Wolfsburg statement said the injury has prevented the 31-year-old from training recently.
"Mario Gomez must pass on the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against the Czech Republic (October 8th in Hamburg) and Northern Ireland (October 11th in Hannover)," the statement said.
.@Mario_Gomez has pulled out of the squad for #GERCZE and #GERNIR due to a gluteal injury. Get well soon, Mario! #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/Gg2wZLVUK0
- Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) October 4, 2016
"The Wolves number 33 was forced to pull out of the DFB selection due to hardening of a buttock muscle and will not participate in training for a couple of days."
Gomez was also unavailable for Germany's opening qualifying win over Norway last month because of a hamstring injury he suffered at Euro 2016.
He has played the full 90 minutes of each of Wolfsburg's games since he joined the club at the end of the transfer window, though he has yet to score.