Goalie Rene Adler back for Germany after 2 years

Former first-choice goalkeeper Rene Adler has been recalled by Germany for the first time in two years.

Adler, forced out of the 2010 World Cup with a rib injury and then last season after right knee surgery, was called up for Wednesday's friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

The 27-year-old Hamburger SV goalkeeper last played for Germany against Sweden on Nov. 17, 2010.

''I'm delighted Rene was able to get back to former strengths again after his long injury,'' coach Joachim Loew said on Friday. ''He should also have the chance to prove himself internationally again.''

Loew said Adler's call-up was not a decision against current No. 1 Manuel Neuer's reserve goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ron-Robert Zieler ''who will remain in focus of course.''

Neither were called up, though Hannover `keeper Zieler would not have been able to play after being sent off against Argentina in a friendly in August.

Loew also called up Roman Neustaedter to his 22-man squad for the first time, rewarding the 24-year-old Schalke midfielder for his ''excellent technical skills.''

Borussia Dortmund players Mats Hummels and Ilkay Guendogan, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender and Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler are back after missing the World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Sweden.

''The four of them have recovered well from their injuries,'' Loew said. ''They give us more options.''

Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber and Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira drop out because of injury. Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez continues his recovery from left ankle surgery.

Germany squandered a four-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Sweden in its last match, but remains on course for World Cup 2014 qualification with 10 points from four games in Group C. Sweden is on seven points with a game in hand.

Loew said the Dutch will be ''highly motivated'' after losing twice to Germany in the previous 12 months, a 3-0 friendly defeat in Hamburg last November, and a 2-1 loss at the European Championship in July.

''Games against the Netherlands are always something special, even when it's only a friendly game,'' Loew said. ''A lot of pride is at stake. Of course we want to sign off the year and from our fans with a win.''

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Germany:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Rene Adler (Hamburg).

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Marcel Schmelzer, Heiko Westermann (Hamburger SV).

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Schalke), Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund), Ilkay Guendogan (Borussia Dortmund), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Roman Neustaedter (Schalke), Mesut Oezil, Real Madrid, Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich).

Forward: Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich).