German Premier League stars such as Timo Werner and Ilkay Gundogan will be granted an exception to coronavirus restrictions in order to play for their country in World Cup qualifiers later this month, the German FA (DFB) said Thursday.

The DFB said that local health authorities had greenlighted the exception to strict Covid-19 restrictions on travellers from the UK, allowing Joachim Loew to pick Werner, Gundogan, Kai Havertz and others for upcoming games against Iceland and North Macedonia in Duisburg.

The association added that the approval was “tied to very strict conditions” such as a negative PCR test on entry and players remaining in the team bubble and self-isolating when they are not playing or training.

The decision would also apply to Icelandic players active in the Premier League when they visit to play Germany in Duisburg, the DFB said.

Loew will name his squad on Friday as Germany prepare to launch their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign next week against Iceland, prior to games away to Romania and at home to North Macedonia.