Berlin, Aug 30 (IANS): Germany football coach Joachim Loew has called up his 21-man squad for the upcoming international matches.

The reigning FIFA World champions will encounter Argentina and Scotland in September. Hence, Loew called up 18 men from his World Cup squad and three returnees, reports Xinhua.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Shokodran Mustafi are still sidelined with injuries meanwhile Per Mertesacker, Mirsolav Klose and Phillip Lahm retired from international football. However, Dortmund's Marco Reus, Stuttgart's Antonio Ruediger and Fiorentina's Mario Gomez will return into the national squad.

Reus just recovered from an ankle injury which he suffered during the last friendly before the World Cup. "I am really happy for Marco Reus that he is back again and has overcome his injury," Loew said.

Stuttgart's Ruediger is said to replace Lahm in the defence. "He already played for us against Poland. I had a very good impression. He can be an alternative for the defence."

Gomez was not nominated for the World Cup due to an injury. "Mario wanted to return to the national team and he really deserved his nomination."

Germany will start with a friendly Sep 3 against Argentina before they encounter Scotland four days later for the Euro 2016 playoffs.