Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was on Tuesday named the new captain of Germany by manager Joachim Loew.

Loew appointed the 30-year-old to succeed Philipp Lahm, who stepped down from international duty after skippering Germany to the World Cup title in July.

"Bastian will be a great and dignified captain of our national team," said Loew.

Schweinsteiger is currently injured with a knee problem, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to lead Germany out on Wednesday in an international friendly in Dusseldorf against Argentina in a rematch 50 days after the Maracana showdown in Rio de Janeiro.

Schweinsteiger became a symbol of Germany's charge to a fourth world trophy, battling on through the final victory over Argentina despite taking an elbow in the face that left blood pouring from a cut.