World Cup Golden Boot chaser suffers injury set-back

Germany boss Joachim Low has been struck down by an injury crisis.

Loew himself is struggling with a flu bug ahead of tonight's third place play-off with Uruguay.

Germany's star striker Miroslave Klose is also a major doubt after aggravating a back problem in the semi final defeat by Spain.

That means four-goal Klose could miss out on the chance to win the Golden Boot and also write his name into World Cup history.

Bayern Munich striker Klose is just one goal behind Spain's David Villa and Holland's Wesley Sneijder who are the tournament's leading scorers.

Klose is also just one goal behind the World Cup's all-time leading scorer, Brazilian legend Ronaldo and yet seems likely to miss out on making history in what may be his last game in a World Cup finals.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm and striker Lukas Podolski are also suffering from flu but hope to be fit.

But boss Loew could not take charge of training yesterday and also had to miss the pre-match press conference after being hit by the bug.

It did, however, give Low the chance to sidestep questions on his future as the Germany boss is now without a contract.

Germany's players, led by keeper Manuel Neuer, have led a delegation to try and convince low to stay on and push the Federation into urgent action.

But Low is refusing to discuss the matter until after the finals and will be determined to finish third to complete a remarkable campaign as Germany were given little chance in South Africa.

But they have surpassed expectations especially without injured captain Michael Ballack and now will have to prepare without Loew.

Germany spokesman Harald Stenger said: "Loew is confined to his bed and will not take part in the pre-match press conference at Port Elizabeth this evening.

"Lahm and Podolski could not train but their state of health is less serious than that of the coach."