Internet Desk: Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has re-injured his right knee while on duty with Germany and faces a race against time to be fit for the European championships in June.
The 31-year-old midfielder suffered the injury training in Berlin on Tuesday and an MRI scan in Munich yesterday revealed he has again torn the medial ligament.
He misses Germany’s home friendly against England at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, then against Italy four days later at Munich’s Allianz Arena and faces a race to be ready for Euro 2016 in France.
“I have to accept the situation as it is,” Schweinsteiger told the German FA website. “I’ve spoken to the national team coach about my situation and in the coming weeks, we will remain in close contact.”
The news is another blow for Germany’s captain, who had been working his way back to fitness after tearing the same ligament in United’s FA Cup third round win over Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the year.
He had made four second half appearances off the bench in United’s last four games.
“That is very bitter news, Bastian was just back on the right track and I know how much he had looked forward to the time with the national team and the two matches,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
“I have told Bastian I won’t be writing him off for the European championships. The tournament is not taking place tomorrow and there is still time. Bastian is a top professional and I know he will do everything in order to be fit for the tournament.”
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, who has injured his left ankle, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi, who has a bruised foot, are also on the walking wounded list for Germany.
Courtesy – PTI