Germany hit by illness ahead of France clash

Germany's preparations for their clash with France in the World Cup quarter-final have been hit by illness. 

Seven of the squad are said to be suffering from flu.

Manager Jurgen Klopp wanted to play things down. He said: "It’s not that bad at the moment. I don’t want to over-dramatise it."

Mats Hummels missed the game against Algeria while Cristoph Kramer had to skip a day of training.

Thomas Muller has also shown symptoms of flu. 

Low said: "We’re constantly having to travel between different climate zones. 

"It’s understandable that the guys get a bit under the weather, and that it starts to spread."

By contrast, France should have Mamadou Sakho back from injury and he could step in for Laurent Koscielny. 

One other change Didier Deschamps is considering making is bringing back Antoine Griezmann into the starting line-up, at the expense of Olivier Giroud.

Against Nigeria France looked a lot better when the Arsenal striker went off for the Sociedad wide man, with Karim Benzema moving into the middle.

Possible teams

France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Matuidi, Cabaye; Pogba; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezman.

Germany: Neuer; Hummels, Boateng, Mertesacker, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos; Özil, Müller, Götze.

Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina).