Flick optimistic over trio
Published 18:11 24/06/10 By Pa Sports
Germany assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick is "optimistic" Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jerome Boateng and Mesut Ozil will each be fit to face England this weekend.
All three picked up knocks during last night's 1-0 win over Ghana and it remains to be seen if they will each be fit enough to start the last 16 encounter with England.
"Jerome has a bit of a calf strain and Schweinsteiger has a hamstring problem," said Flick. "It might be a bit critical for them to be in the starting line-up on Sunday, but we are optimistic. Ozil seems to have twisted his ankle but I think we will get him fit."
Flick was asked if Bayer Leverkusen youngster Toni Kroos was the likely replacement for Schweinsteiger if the influential Bayern Munich playmaker was ruled out.
Flick said: "He certainly is an alternative, but as far as Bastian Schweinsteiger is concerned I think we can have reasons to be optimistic.
"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."
