Germany lose Mlapa to hamstring injury

Germany will be without Peniel Mlapa for the remainder of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship after the striker sustained a hamstring injury in the 3-2 defeat by the Netherlands in their opening match.

"That's very upsetting news for us," coach Rainer Adrion said. "Peniel was our top scorer during the qualifying campaign and left a superb impression in the build-up to this tournament."

The VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach player was substituted late in the first half against the Jong Oranje. Initially it was thought he would be fit to feature against Spain on Sunday but subsequent tests have determined otherwise. A statement from the German Football Association (DFB) said that Mlapa would "remain in Tel Aviv for the early stages of his treatment".

Adrion added that the loss of the 22-year-old was a major blow. "I see enormous potential in him and I am convinced of his qualities, so this is a tough blow for us," he said. Kevin Volland now seems likely to keep his place in the team for Sunday's Group B meeting with Spain after an impressive performance having replaced Mlapa against the Dutch.