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Gomez out, Khedira and Schweinsteiger doubts for Germany

Ross DunbarJuly 3, 2016

The German FA has confirmed that striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger are doubts for Thursday's semifinal.

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UEFA EURO 2016 Deutschland vs. Italien Mario Gomez
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/M. Probst

In a blow to Germany's chances of winning a fourth continental title, Gomez will take no further part in Euro 2016 after tearing a hamstring muscle in Germany's penalty shootout win against Italy on Saturday.

The problems are stacking up for Germany coach Joachim Löw, who must also wait to see if either Sami Khedira or Bastian Schweinsteiger will be available for Thursday's semifinal against France or Iceland.

Gomez lasted 72 minutes of the quarterfinal in Bordeaux before being replaced by Julian Draxler. The Besiktas striker - and both Khedira and Schweinsteiger - had a scan on Sunday, which confirmed Gomez wouldn't recover in time, the FA said.

"It's really bitter when important players are sidelined at the crucial stage of the tournament," Löw said on the FA's website.

"I am particularly sorry for Mario. He has performed strongly at the European Championship and has helped the team a great deal not only with his goals.

"For us, that means we accept the new situation and have to find solutions. And we will. The quality of the squad is high, I have full faith in all the players."

Midfield issues

The German FA said Löw will wait until the last minute to make a decision and assess the condition of both midfielders ahead of the last-four encounter next week.

UEFA EURO 2016 Deutschland vs. Italien
Khedira receiving treatment after 15 minutes of the Italy quarterfinalImage: Reuters/C. Hartmann

Juventus midfielder Khedira lasted just 15 minutes before he was replaced by Manchester United's Schweinsteiger.

A series of injuries have plagued Khedira's season, while he featured in only two of Germany's Euro 2016 qualifiers. The 29-year-old missed the 2014 World Cup final after sustaining a calf injury in the warmup.

"It was clear we would need Bastian Schweinsteiger over the course of the tournament," Löw said after the Italy game. "He did well, he worked hard and it was important to have his experience on the pitch.

"You need different players in such a tournament. It is not unusual for players to pick up injuries or suspensions."

Schweinsteiger initially struggled after taking a knock to his knee, but recovered to last the remainder of the 120 minutes and shootout, in which he missed his penalty. If Löw is to be without both midfielders for the latter stages, he may be forced to call on Emre Can or Julian Weigl.

To add to Löw's problems, centre back Mats Hummels is suspended for the semifinal after picking up a yellow card against Italy.