Germany's Lars Bender to miss World Cup qualifiers

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — 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.