GDANSK, Poland (AFP)
Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger looks set to be given the
all-clear for Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy with
midfield partner Mesut Ozil emphasising how much the Germans
"need him".
The 27-year-old Schweinsteiger has been struggling to recover
from an ankle injury and was below-par in Friday's 4-2 win over
Greece, but as the Germans' chief playmaker, he is a key part of
their bid to win Euro 2012.
Germany play Italy in the semi-final in Warsaw on Thursday and
the Bayern Munich star is expected to be fit to face the Azzurri.
"He has problems with the ankle, which has been treated
intensively in the last few days, we assume he will be fit to
play," said Germany's goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke on Monday.
Having torn ankle ligaments in February, Schweinsteiger admitted
Sunday the joint has still not fully recovered, but Ozil said he
is needed against the Azzurri.
"We need Schweinsteiger, He is a class player and one of our
leaders," said Real Madrid star Ozil after Schweinsteiger set up
both Germany's goals in their 2-1 win over Holland in their
second group match.
"He has been injured, but I think he is on a good track.
"You could see how important he is for the team in our match
against Holland (a 2-1 victory in the group stage), I am keeping
my fingers crossed he will play."
