Germany

The Germans defeated Ghana 1-0 on Wednesday night on their way to winning Group D but the victory came at a cost, with a number of key players picking up knocks.

Schweinsteiger appeared to be the biggest doubt after picking up what was initially thought to be a thigh problem. Germany have now confirmed that the influential midfielder is struggling with a hamstring strain but still expect him to be fit for the massive game against Fabio Capello’s men.

Schweinsteiger is 14/1 to grab the first goal if he is passed fit and assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick is confident he will make it along with Boateng and Ozil, who have calf and ankle injuries respectively.

“Jerome has a bit of a calf strain and Schweini (Schweinsteiger) has a hamstring problem and for both I have to admit it might be a bit critical for them to be in the starting line-up on Sunday, but we are optimistic,” Flick revealed.

“Ozil seems to have twisted his ankle but he is not in pain and I think we will get him fit for Sunday’s game.”

Bayer Leverkusen youngster Toni Kroos is on standby to step in should Schweinsteiger miss out but Flick does not sound too concerned.

“He certainly is an alternative, but as far as Bastian Schweinsteiger is concerned I think we can have reasons to be optimistic,” he added.

“I’ve spoken to the team doctor and he says the recovery time is comparatively short. We just hope he’s in the starting line-up and fit to play because he’s become a key player.”

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