Germany won't risk Frings

Podolski also battling to shake off knock ahead of Portugal game

Last updated: 18th June 2008

germany torsten frings austria

Frings: Eager to play

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Germany will not take any risks with Torsten Frings' fitness and will make a late decision on whether the midfielder can face Portugal.

Frings sustained a fractured rib during Germany's 1-0 win over Austria on Monday night, although he was initially unaware of the injury.

He is battling to be fit for Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Portugal in Basel and he will be given every chance to make the starting line-up.

"We won't decide until just before we have to hand in the team sheet," said Germany's team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

Eager to play

"If the medics say there is even a slight chance of a serious injury then we won't risk it.

"But I have to give credit to him. He's eager to play."

Lukas Podolski is also an injury concern for Germany after picking up a calf problem in the final Group B encounter with co-hosts Austria.

The Bayern Munich striker did not train on Tuesday, but Bierhoff feels Podolski is making progress in his recovery from the injury.

Bierhoff added: "Things have improved greatly over the last 24 hours, but with muscle problems you never know."