Germany and Hanover keeper Robert Enke is being tested for tropical diseases after a mystery infection ruled him out of the Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen.

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Enke, picked to play in Germany's three remaining World Cup qualifiers, had to pull out two days before the first, against Azerbaijan, suffering from an unknown infection.

The 32-year-old was seen as a frontrunner for the Germany spot, ahead of Tim Wiese, Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer, as they seek to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"Because of a still unclear diagnosis the participation against Bremen of our captain does not make sense," said Hanover sports director Joerg Schmadtke.

Enke's blood has been sent to an institute specialising in tropical illnesses for checks.

Leaders Germany next play second-placed Russia in a potentially group-deciding clash Moscow on October 10.