Germany's Euro 2000 hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that striker Oliver Bierhoff will miss his country's final two group games after injuring his calf in training. The 32-year-old AC Milan striker was forced to limp out of training yesterday after injuring his right calf.
After an examination at the team's Vaal training base in Holland it was revealed that he would be unable to play for eight to 10 days, ruling him out of Saturday's crucial game with England in Charleroi.
The German skipper, who is also out of contention for the game against Portugal next Tuesday, had been training for half an hour when he pulled up after attempting to trap the ball with his right foot.
“I felt a blow on the calf when I stopped the ball, as if someone had thrown a stone at me,” said Bierhoff. “I have never experienced anything like that.”
Paulo Rink and Ulf Kirsten could now take his place up front for the England match, but under-fire coach Erich Ribbeck may decide to opt for Bayern Munich forward Carsten Jancker.
