Evian: Germany’s Mario Gomez has been ruled out of the rest of Euro 2016 through injury while Sami Khedira and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger are doubts for Thursday’s semifinal, the German Football Federation (DFB) said on Sunday.
Gomez underwent a scan on Sunday that showed the striker suffered a torn thigh muscle in the quarterfinal victory over Italy and he can play no further part in the tournament, the DFB said.
Juventus midfielder Khedira has a partially torn groin muscle and Manchester United’s Schweinsteiger sprained a knee ligament in the penalty shootout win over the Italians on Saturday.
“It is currently in doubt whether Schweinsteiger and Khedira will be able to take any part on Thursday in Marseille or in a possible final in Saint Denis on Sunday,” the DFB said in a statement.
Both are receiving intensive medical treatment. “It’s very bitter when important players are ruled out in the decisive phase of a tournament,” said Germany’s coach Joachim Loew.
“I am especially sorry for Mario. “He put in some good performances at these Euros and has helped the team, not only with his goals. “For us, it means we have to accept the new situation and find solutions, which we will do.
“The quality of the team is high and I have full trust in all the players —we’ll be ready on Thursday and we’re looking forward to the semifinals.”
Loew has options to replace Gomez with World Cup-winning goalscorer Mario Goetze, who was left on the bench against Italy, while midfielder Thomas Mueller can also play as a striker.
The world champions are already without Mats Hummels as he is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Italy.
