Klose out of Germany's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers

Munich - Miroslav Klose has been ruled out of Germany's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Ireland on October 13 and the Czech Republic four days later after picking up a knee injury in Bayern Munich's weekend victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said Tuesday that the 29-year-old striker will be out of action for "at least three weeks" and will also "definitely miss" Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against Portuguese side Belenenses.

Club captain Oliver Kahn will also miss the match against Belenenses with an elbow injury that is expected to keep him out for four to five weeks.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper flew out to the United States Tuesday and will undergo an operation Wednesday to cure the problem. Michael Rensing, 23, will continue as Kahn's replacement.