Bastian Schweinsteiger all-but ruled out of Germany’s Euro 2016 semi-final clash against France with knee ligament damage
GERMANY stalwart Bastian Schweinsteiger is set for Euro 2016 heartbreak after he was all-but ruled out of the semi-final clash with France on Thursday.
The Manchester United midfielder sustained minor knee ligament damage in the quarter-final win over Italy after coming on for the crocked Sami Khedira.
Boss Joachim Low will take no chances with Schweinsteiger, 31, who missed a penalty during Saturday’s shootout.
He said: “Bastian picked up a minor injury.
“I hope and wish that he can make it. But one thing is clear: I will definitely not let anyone who is not 100 per cent fit play.
“I’ve done that in the past and I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
Germany have also been hit by a torn hamstring to striker Mario Gomez, while defender Mats Hummels is suspended.
Low added: “It’s a bitter blow when important players are sidelined at this crucial stage.”
France striker Olivier Giroud is confident of beating the Germans — while continuing to prove his critics wrong.
The Arsenal ace has been booed by his own support over the past year.
Yet he now has 10 goals in 11 games and was cheered as he was subbed after a brace in Sunday’s 5-2 win over Iceland.
He said: “When people boo you it is never nice so the best thing to do is answer on the pitch.”