German striker Mario Gomez to miss rest of Euro 2016 with injury
Germany striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out of the European Championship semifinal against either France or Iceland, while midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are both doubtful.
Germany striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out of the European Championship semifinal against either France or Iceland, while midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are both doubtful.
The German football federation (DFB) said on Sunday that Gomez’ participation in the rest of the tournament is “out of the question” due to a muscle tear in his right thigh sustained during Germany’s quarterfinal win over Italy.
The DFB said the extent of all three players’ injuries was revealed after MRI scans in Annecy. The scans showed that Schweinsteiger had a ligament strain in his right knee, while Khedira had an injury to his left adductor. Schweinsteiger had come on for the injured Khedira early in Saturday’s game in Bordeaux.
“Whether Schweinsteiger and Khedira can take part in the semifinal on Thursday in Marseille or a potential final on Sunday in St. Denis is open for now,” the DFB said.
“The medical department of the national team will work hard together with the players on (their) recovery. However, the healing process cannot be precisely defined for either of them. The situation will need to be reassessed day by day,” the federation said.
Gomez, who scored two goals for Germany at the tournament, is definitely out, as is defender Mats Hummels due to suspension.
“It’s very bitter when important players are ruled out at the crucial stage of the tournament,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said. “I’m especially sorry for Mario. He produced strong performances at the European Championship and helped the team a lot, not only with his goals.”
Loew was nevertheless bullish of his side’s chances against France or Iceland, who play in the final quarterfinal on Sunday.
“For us it means we must accept the new situation and find solutions, and that’s what we’ll do,” Loew said. “The quality of the squad is high. I have full confidence in all players. We’ll be ready on Thursday and looking forward to the semifinal.”