Germany sweating over fitness of key defender after 'visible limping'
- Germany advanced to Euro 2024 quarter-final with win over Denmark
- Antonio Rudiger seen limping after dramatic victory
- Real Madrid star dealing with a muscle injury before the game
By Tom Gott
Germany have been handed a real injury scare ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final as centre-back Antonio Rudiger was spotted limping after the victory over Denmark.
Rudiger had been doubtful for the 2-0 win over Denmark because of a thigh muscle injury but battled through the pain barrier to play the full 90 minutes for the fourth time this summer.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo report that the 31-year-old looked somewhat worse for wear after the game and was walking with a visible limp as he left Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park stadium.
Rudiger has a week to prove his fitness, with manager Julian Nagelsmann likely to give the Real Madrid star as much time as possible to rest given his status as one of the world's best central defenders.
Waiting for Germany in the quarter-final will be the winner of Spain's highly-anticipated clash with surprise package Georgia on Sunday evening.
Should Rudiger fail to recover, Nagelsmann could turn back to Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, who was suspended for the Denmark game and was replaced by Nico Schlotterbeck.
Stuttgart's Waldemar Anton came off the bench against Denmark, while Leeds United's Robin Koch, an unused substitute, is another option for former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig manager Nagelsmann.
"I think we have no more pressure than usual," Nagelsmann said as he prepares to face either Spain or Georgia. "I think the fans and also the expectation of our fans is a big push for us.
"We can deal with the pressure. For me, it's still a privilege and we also tell the players it's a privilege to play soccer games under pressure. All the players are used to dealing with it, so it's no problem."
Goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala saw Germany past a gritty, determined side, but they were made to wait for their success after a severe thunder and lightning storm forced the players to be taken from the field for their own safety.
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