With Sami Khedira a major doubt for the rest of Euro 2016, Germany have been hit with another blow as they move within a step of the final.
Centre-forward Mario Gomez has now been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after his withdrawal through injury against Italy in the tense quarter-final in Bordeaux.
#GER striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out of the remainder of #EURO2016 with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/N6CD8ANJOS
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) July 3, 2016
The 30-year-old forward was taken off in the second half with a hamstring injury and it is also a tactical blow for Germany.
While Mario Gotze began the tournament as a False 9, his underwhelming form forced manager Joachim Loew to Gomez - a more traditional centre-forward option - up front to lead the line.
He scored the winner in the group match against Northern Ireland and also played a key role in the build-up to Mesut Ozil's opening goal against Italy.
Gomez's absence leaves Loew with an unwanted headache ahead of the semi-finals as he is the only true centre-forward in the Germany squad.
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