Schweinsteiger worried about ankle

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger says he needs a break from football to let an injured ankle heal.

The Bayern Munich man suffered a string of niggling injuries throughout the domestic season, and was a doubt going into Euro 2012 due to a calf knock which kept him out of the warm-up friendly against Israel.

However, he has played a part in all four of his nation’s matches to date, but concedes he is not at full fitness, and was almost forced to miss the 4-2 quarter-final win over Greece.

“To be honest, my ankle is causing me trouble,” Schweinsteiger told Welt Online.

“I have been carrying it since February and it did not heal properly. Hopefully we only have two games left, and afterwards I will be able to get properly fit again.

“I was only able to attend the final training before the Greece match. I missed a few easy passes during that game, which I never do.

“Overall I was happy with my performance but a player like me cannot miss these easy passes.”

Despite his shaky performance against Greece, Germany cruised to victory, with Schweinsteiger’s midfield partner, Sami Khedira, playing a key role.

However, the 27-year-old was quick to refute suggestions he was jealous of the attention the Real Madrid man has received in the wake of his performance.

“Khedira played really well. What matters to me is the team’s success,” Schweinsteiger said.