Germany coach Joachim Loew on Friday recalled Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has not played for the national side since their World Cup triumph, for a friendly against Australia and a Euro 2016 qualifier in Georgia.

The Bayern Munich midfielder was named captain when Philipp Lahm retired from the national team after winning the world title in Brazil last July but had yet to play after being sidelined through a back injury.

"Bastian is our captain. We need his leadership skills, on and off the pitch," explained Loew.

Ilkay Guendogan and defender Holger Badstuber, who both missed the World Cup through injury, are also returning alongside 16 of the heroes from Brazil, including Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze.

The 121-times capped Lukas Podolski was also picked in the 23-man squad despite poor recent form with Inter Milan.

Germany host Australia in a Kaiserslautern friendly on March 25 with a Euro 2016 qualifier scheduled for Georgia four days later.

Germany are second in Group D, three points behind leaders Poland, after a stuttering start to the qualifying campaign.