The Germany coach agreed to release players from clubs still involved in European competition for Wednesday`s friendly with Denmark after Saturday`s impressive 2-1 Euro 2008 qualification victory over Czech Republic.

Fourth-placed Bayern Munich, who host Slomka`s Bundesliga leaders on Saturday, welcomed Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Lukas Podolski back to training on Monday because they are still in the Champions League.

And Werder Bremen players Torsten Frings and Per Mertesacker were permitted to return to prepare for their UEFA Cup last-16 tie with AZ Alkmaar.

But Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi, who scored both goals in Saturday`s win in Prague, will not return until Thursday after Die Knappen`s first-round exit to Nancy in the UEFA Cup.

And with his side leading second-placed Bremen by just three points and Bayern having the opportunity to close the gap to six at the weekend, Slomka insists his rivals are being given an unfair advantage at what is a crucial stage in the season.

"Kevin should only play a half," the Schalke coach told the Bild newspaper.

"But then you ask yourself: Why should he play and the others not?"