Johannesburg - Germany coach Joachim Loew has been left sweating over the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng after both players had to be substituted due to injury in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Ghana at Soccer City.
"We have a few problems," admitted Loew. "Boateng is struggling with a back problem and Bastian has a thigh injury."
Loew revealed that goalscorer Mesut Oezil also took a knock late on in the victory that saw Germany top Group D ahead of the Black Stars to set up a Round of 16 clash with old foes England on Sunday in Bloemfontein.
However, his greatest concern was for Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger, who received treatment for his thigh problem at the side of the pitch after being substituted 10 minutes from time and was replaced by Toni Kroos.
"I hope that his injury clears up in the coming days," said Loew. "If Schweinsteiger can't play, which I hope isn't the case, it would be a serious blow for us." - Sapa-dpa