Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose will miss Germany's Euro 2008 qualifier against Ireland at Croke Park later this month because of  a knee injury.

Bayern said that Klose would probably need three weeks to recover completely.

"He'll almost certainly miss the Germany games," coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said.

Klose was the leading scorer in the World Cup in Germany 2006 and has a total of 35 goals in 70 internationals. He is also the leading scorer in the Bundesliga so far this season with eight goals.

Germany are top of Group D with 22 points form eight games.  Joachim Loew's side have the chance to secure a place at Euro 2008 when they face Steve Staunton's side on October 13th.