Dusseldorf - Germany are aiming to take another step towards the 2010 World Cup with qualifying round wins against Liechtenstein and Wales despite some injury concerns.

Forward Miroslav Klose, midfielder Torsten Frings and defender Arne Freidrich are not fit to play while there are doubts around midfielder Piotr Trochowski and goalkeeper Rene Adler.

But coach Joachim Loew insisted on Monday that "we have players to replace them."

While anything but success against the minnows Liechtenstein on Saturday in Leipzig would be a massive surprise, the Wales match in Cardiff next week Wednesday will be a tougher test for captain Michael Ballack and his team-mates.

Loew and his staff have plenty of time with the team as the players were due to gather later Monday, with a fitness test on Tuesday starting the preparations.

Germany lost at home against England and Norway in their last two friendlies, but top qualifying group four with 10 points ahead of Russia and Wales, who have six points each. Russia have a game in hand.

"It is important to remain first. It must be our aim to win both matches," said Loew after a meeting with Bundesliga coaches.

"We have always played well when it mattered."

Every point is important as only the group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup in South Africa. The second-placed team has to go through a playoff series.

Germany have never failed to qualify for a World Cup they have entered, but have to play in Moscow on October 10. Loew wants to avoid a nerve-wracking autumn at all costs and wants no slip-up in the other games.

"The situation in the group is very tight. It would be an advantage to go to Russia as group leaders. That is a big psychological advantage," said Loew.

The coach is taking nothing for granted and despite some grumbling from the Bundesliga in the crucial stage of the championship insisted on the fitness test.

"We have the responsibility for the next 10 days and we believe that these tests are necessary," insisted Loew. (dpa)