• World Cup

Schweinsteiger doubtful for England encounter

ESPN Soccernet staff
June 24, 2010
Bastian Schweinsteiger would be a 'serious blow' admits Joachim Low © Getty Images
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Germany trio Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil and Jerome Boateng are facing a race against time to be fit for their second round clash against England, coach Joachim Low revealed.

Midfield tempo man Schweinsteiger came off with a thigh injury with ten minutes remaining in Germany's 1-0 win over Ghana which earned them top spot in Group D on Wednesday, and Low said after the match his potential loss would be tough to overcome.

Low said: "We have a few problems. Boateng is struggling with a back problem and Bastian has a thigh injury. I hope his injury clears up in the coming days. If Schweinsteiger can't play, which I hope isn't the case, it would be a serious blow for us."

Low also confirmed match-winner Ozil rolled his ankle late in the match, although the injury didn't appear too serious. Given the importance of Schweinsteiger, the unofficial leader of Germany's youthful midfield, and Ozil, their primary playmaker and greatest attacking threat in the tournament so far, Low will be desperate to have the pair on deck for the England match on Sunday.

Toni Kroos, 20, replaced Schweinsteiger to give Germany an even younger look before the final whistle although Boateng, if fit, is also an option to move into the holding midfield role if Schweinsteiger is ruled out of the England encounter.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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