Low rocked by double injury blow

Podolski and Frings face fights for fitness

Last updated: 17th June 2008

Joachim Low

Low: Injury worries

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Germany have been rocked by news that they could be without leading scorer Lukas Podolski and influential midfielder Torsten Frings for the Euro 2008 quarter-final against Portugal.

Podolski is currently Germany's top marksman at this summer's finals after netting three goals in the group stages, while Frings has impressed to reportedly catch the eye of Arsenal.

However, forward Podolski suffered a calf injury in the 1-0 victory over Austria on Monday night and missed training on Tuesday to leave manager Joachim Low concerned.

"There is a big question mark over Lukas and it's going to be tight for Thursday," said Low.

"The medical department will do everything they can to get him fit but he had real problems in the second half against Austria."

Important

Meanwhile, X-rays have confirmed Frings sustained a fractured rib against Austria, but Low is optimistic the Werder Bremen star will be fit to face Portugal in Basel on Thursday.

"We'll do everything possible to get him (Frings) fit, but a decision on whether he can play will be made shortly before the game," Low continued.

"As Frings is an important member of the team we'll exhaust every possibility to get him fit to play against Portugal.

"He'll receive intensive treatment over the coming hours. A decision will not be made until Thursday."

Low has also hinted that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was suspended against Austria following his red card against Croatia, will return to his first XI after starting the tournament among the substitutes.

"He (Schweinsteiger) didn't start in either of the first two games but when he came on he gave us pace and creativity," Low added. "I expect him to be back in the team on Thursday."