Cacau ruled out of England clash

Germany’s Brazilian-born striker Cacau has been ruled out of Sunday’s last 16 clash against old rivals England after pulling a stomach muscle in training.

“The injury means he won’t be available,” confirmed Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff on Saturday morning before his side travelled to Bloemfontein for the knock-out phase match against Fabio Capello’s side.

Having served a one-match suspension, veteran striker Miroslav Klose is likely to start in Cacau’s place while there is still a question mark over midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and defender Jerome Boateng.

Both will be given a fitness test during training in Bloemfontein on Saturday to see if Schweinsteiger has recovered from his hamstring strain and Boateng from his calf injury which they suffered in the 1-0 win over Ghana.

“Then we’ll see if they have recovered from their injuries and are 100percent fit,” said Bierhoff.

The loss of Schweinsteiger would be a big blow to Germany’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals as he was impressive in both defence and attack in the group stage games.

If he is ruled out, 20-year-old Toni Kroos is set to deputise and it would be a big test for the talented Bayern Munich midfielder who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.

“Toni has self-confidence, he came off the bench against Ghana and he has shown that he is ready,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.