Frankfurt, Sept 04: Germany lose winger Paul Freier with broken foot. German coach Rudi Voeller has been forced to reconsider his plans for this months Euro 2004 qualifiers after winger Paul Freier withdrew with a broken foot. The 24-year-old VfL Bochum player, with 12 German caps, broke his right foot in training and is likely to be out until December. "This is terrible news," Voeller said on Wednesday (September 3). Germany plays Iceland on Saturday and Scotland on September 10. Freiers injury increases the chance that Bayern Munich's Sebastian Deisler will make his first start for the national side since May 2002, when he was injured in a pre-World Cup friendly against Austria. "I am looking forward to the next two games and the coach will decide what they will look like. I am happy to be able to play for Germany once again", Deisler said.


Germany are second in qualifying Group Five on 11 points, a point behind Iceland, who have played a game more, and three points ahead of third-placed Scotland.


They play Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday before hosting the Scots in Dortmund four days later. Their final game is at home to Iceland on October 11.


Voeller has slight concerns over forward Fredi Bobic, who has a bad back, and midfielder Bernd Schneider, who is nursing a sore foot, but both should be available on Saturday.


Bureau Report