Draxler to miss Germany friendly

Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler has withdrawn from Germany’s squad to face Paraguay after picking up an injury in a 3-3 draw with Hamburg.

The 19-year-old lasted just 23 minutes in Sunday’s match before suffering damage to his Achilles tendon in his left ankle during a challenge with Tolgay Arslan.

He will now definitely miss Germany’s friendly fixture with Paraguay on Wednesday at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

And Schalke manager Horst Heldt concedes the injury may sideline Draxler beyond the side’s next match with Wolfsburg on Saturday.

“The injury could quickly get inflamed and turn into a long drawn-out affair,” Heldt told the club’s official website.

“Hence, it makes no sense for him to travel with the national team.”

A statement on the German Football Federation website confirmed national team manager Joachim Loew would not call-up a replacement for Draxler.

Draxler has six caps for Germany, scoring on one occasion.