The 50-year-old won two biathlon gold medals as well as three silvers and a bronze in cross-country skiing at Pyeongchang 2018.

Eskau also medalled at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, and collected gold medals in three successive Summer Paralympics from Beijing 2008 to Rio 2016.

"Unfortunately, for health reasons, I can't start at the Paralympics," Eskau said.

"That's a pity, of course, but it's not the end of the world either.

"I'm just not in the physical condition to compete at the highest level in sporting competitions.

"I wish the team all the best and maximum success in what will certainly be difficult conditions. 

"I'll follow the Games and keep my fingers crossed."

A total of 18 athletes have been selected for the team as well as five guides in Para Nordic skiing and one accompanying skier in Para Alpine skiing, with the total German delegation expected to total 63.

Andrea Rothfuss is the most experienced member of the squad, having competed in four previous Winter Paralympics and won 13 Alpine skiing medals on this stage.

The women's slalom and super combined sitting champion from Pyeongchang 2018 Anna-Lena Forster has also been selected to compete in Alpine skiing, alongside Anna-Maria Rieder and Noemi Ristau.

Christoph Glötzner and Leander Kress are set to make their Paralympic debuts in Alpine skiing at Beijing 2022, as well as accompanying skier Paula Brenzel,

Reigning men's 15 kilometres sitting biathlon champion Martin Fleig has been named in the team, as well as Pyeongchang 2018 bronze medallists in the Para Nordic skiing sports in Alexander Ehler and Clara Klug.

Anja Wicker won two biathlon medals at the Sochi 2014 Paralympics, including gold in the women's 10km sitting event.

They are set to be joined by Nico Messinger, as well as debutants Linn Kazmaier, Marco Maier, Johanna Recktenwald and Leonie Walter.

Florian Baumann, Valentin Haag, Martin Härtl, Pirmin Strecker and Robin Wunderle.

The three German snowboard representatives have also yet to feature at the Paralympics.

They are Matthias Keller, Manuel Neß and Christian Schmiedt.

Germany has topped the Winter Paralympic medal table twice this century - at Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010.

Its 20 athletes at Pyeongchang 2018 placed fifth with seven golds, eight silvers and four bronzes.

Germany's Chef de Mission Karl Quade said the Games would be an "important experience" for the nine athletes making their debuts, and said completing Beijing 2022 safely would be the top priority.

"In terms of size, we have a similar team as we did in PyeongChang or Sochi," Quade commented.

"It's a pity that we weren't able to use all possible starting positions, primarily due to injuries and illnesses.

"Especially at the Winter Games, sporting success often depended on the exceptional performance of individuals.

"We hope that the athletes will be able to perform under the given circumstances and complications, be spared a corona [COVID-19] infection and come home healthy.

"That's the most important thing for us."

The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics are due to be held from March 4 to 13.