Giroud cools injury fears, Loew expects fluid semi

Olivier Giroud calmed concerns over his fitness ahead of France’s Euro 2016 semi-final against Germany, training fully with his team-mates on Wednesday.

The Arsenal striker missed Tuesday’s session to receive treatment on a knee injury he picked up following the quarter-final win against Iceland.

But Giroud looks set to be in contention to start for Les Bleus in Marseille on Thursday, with all 23 of Didier Deschamps’ players passing through training unscathed.

Meanwhile, Germany head coach Joachim Loew expects a free-flowing match when his side meet France in Thursday’s semi-final at Euro 2016.

The suspended Mats Hummels and injured duo Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira will miss the clash for the world champions, while Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps has a full squad at his disposal.

Low admitted the Germans face a disadvantage given the strong support for the hosts, and urged his players to be wary of France’s prolific attack.

“In attack, France have proved one of the most flexible sides at this tournament. That creates a lot of pressure – not only in the penalty area but also in the midfield with [Paul] Pogba and [Blaise] Matuidi.

“I think they take their chances very efficiently. They have three strikers that lead – Payet, Griezmann and Giroud. That tells us a lot, so that’s why I think France will attack very aggressively with great pressure. They play as hosts, in their own country and they will try everything. Their attack is very good and that has been their strength so far.

Meanwhile, midfielder Toni Kroos insists he doesn’t fear the French, but respects the challenge that lies ahead.

“What do we fear? That’s not the right way of thinking. We have a lot of respect for France. I think throughout the tournament they have improved. They have individual quality and that’s what we’ve seen throughout, but I don’t think we fear them. We know this is going to be a very good opponent that we will play against.

“I think there are different phases throughout a tournament. In the beginning I thought Spain was the best side, then two matches later that was not the case anymore.

“You should’ve asked me the question in the first two matches. In the last round, France was very strong, so it doesn’t get us anywhere if we say we’ve been the best side so far. The important thing is that we show our quality on the pitch; that will be decisive and that’s what we will have to do. If we don’t do that, we go home,” he stated.