Germany coach Joachim Low has revealed Sami Khedira is his first choice to replace Michael Ballack at the World Cup.

Low said he will not be altering his system following the injury-enforced withdrawal of his captain, and Stuttgart midfielder Khedira has been earmarked to replace him.

"It can be assumed that Khedira is the number one candidate for this position. He has a great deal of potential and is a player who has already been given a lot of responsibility at Stuttgart. He also shows that he has matured," Low told the Bild newspaper.