COLOGNE, Germany (AP) _ Strikers Lukas Podolski and Patrick Helmes will start in Germany's friendly against Romania on Wednesday, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will rest because of an elbow injury.
The Arsenal goalkeeper had pain in his elbow after Germany's 2-0 win over Wales in a European Championship qualifier Saturday in Cardiff, coach Joachim Loew said Tuesday. His place will be taken by Timo Hildebrand, who has been only a reserve after moving to Valencia in the off-season.
Podolski and Helmes played together in second-division Cologne, before Podolski moved to Bayern Munich more than a year ago. Holmes, considered one of Germany's most talented strikers, still plays there, while Podolski is coming off a pale season in Bayern and a long absence because of a knee injury.
``It's a great thing, I played in Cologne for years,'' Podolski said.
Helmes will be making his fourth appearance for Germany.
Loew will rest Miroslav Klose and Kevin Kuranyi, who started against Wales. Klose, playing as captain for the first time, scored both goals in Cardiff.
Bernd Schneider, returning after a suspension, will take over as captain again in the absence of injured Michael Ballack. Another midfielder, Torsten Frings, is also out injured.
``I hope to make a few substitutions during the match,'' Loew said.
Romania also could be without its starting goalkeeper, Bogdan Lobont, who injured his foot in practice. Coach Victor Piturca has called up Marius Opa as backup.
Germany has not beaten Romania in more than 23 years and the last time the two teams met, in April 2004 in Bucharest, Romania routed Germany 5-1. Germany has a 7-3 record against Romania, with two draws.
