Low had intended to experiment in Kiev by ditching his regular 4-2-3-1 formation and going in with a 4-4-2 with Klose and Bayern Munich's in-form Mario Gomez working in tandem.

But he may now have a rethink with Lazio striker Klose having to pull out having complained of tendinitis in his left knee.

The 33-year-old, who has been capped 112 times by Germany, is now expected to join up with the rest of the squad in Hamburg at the weekend ahead of next Tuesday's clash with Holland.

Low learned late last night that Marco Reus would also be unavailable for the clash with the Ukrainians.

The 22-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder has an intestinal problem but he too is hoping to play against the Dutch.

World Cup semi-finalists Germany secured a place in the Euro 2012 finals in style by winning all 10 of their Group A qualifying matches but Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels accepts a trip to Kiev followed by a clash with Holland represent two tough games.

"It will be very difficult for us in Ukraine and then in Hamburg against Holland is a prestige game. We have two really good games waiting for us," he said.