GDANSK, Poland (AFP)
Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger admits he has injury worries
ahead of Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final against Italy as he
looks to shake off an ankle problem.
The Bayern Munich midfielder has already endured an injury-hit
season after breaking his collarbone last November before tearing
ankle ligaments in February, which still hinders him ahead of the
Euro 2012 semi-final in Warsaw.
Having rushed back to play for Bayern during their run to the
Champions League final, the 27-year-old admits the ankle is still
not 100 percent right, but he is willing to go through the pain
barrier for Germany's bid to end their 16 year trophy drought.
"To be honest, I have a few worries about the ankle," he admitted
in a syndicated interview.
"The problem is when I explode off it.
"It has not healed properly, but the time has not come yet where
can I let it heal and take a rest.
"We have hopefully two games left and I will grit my teeth.
"After that, I must see that I'm finally back in good health."
Having set up both of Mario Gomez's goals in the 2-1 win over
Holland as Germany went onto win Group B, Schweinsteiger was far
less impressive in the 4-2 win over Greece in Friday's
quarter-final.
"Against the Greeks there were a few bad passes from me which
normally never happens," he admitted.
"That shouldn't happen to a player like me."
Schweinsteiger has reason to be nervous about his semi-final
place.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has already wielded the axe at Euro
2012 by dropping forwards Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Thomas
Mueller in the win over Greece.
The gamble paid off as Gomez's replacement Miroslav Klose scored
his 64th goal in his 120th international appearance, while Marco
Reus deputised for Mueller by also getting on the score sheet.
Until the semi-final, Schweinsteiger will busy himself with rest
and numerous trips to the physiotherapists room, but he insists
he will have no problems if Loew decides to drop him for the
semi-final.
"I was only able to take part in the final training session
before the Greece game," said Schweinsteiger, who has won 94 caps
for Germany.
"If the coach decides (to drop me), I would have no problem with
that.
"We rotated a few players against Greece.
"People like Marco Reus, Jerome Boateng, Andre Schuerrle and
Miroslav Klose all came in.
"For them it was very important that they received the backing
from the other players.
"Something like that is not always self-evident in every team."
