Prinz participation in doubt
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Article summary
Germany have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ with Birgit Prinz a doubt.
Article body
By Andreas Alf
Germany could be without their leading striker, FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Birgit Prinz, when they begin the defence of their UEFA European Women's Championship crown against Norway on Monday.
Thigh injury
The 27-year-old 1. FFC Frankfurt forward is the joint-top scorer in the history of the German national team with 83 goals and had hoped to move into the outright lead in Warrington against Group B rivals Norway. However, a thigh injury sustained in the first half of last weekend's German Cup final defeat by 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam has left Prinz's participation in doubt.
'Optimistic'
Prinz had to be substituted after 25 minutes at the Olympiastadion, yet German Football Association media officer Niels Barnhofer told uefa.com: "Birgit is optimistic that she will be fit for the start of the tournament."
Squad change
There was further bad news for coach Tina Theune-Meyer when back-up goalkeeper Ulrike Schmetz was ruled out of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ with a shoulder injury. Ursula Holl from FSV Frankfurt has been called in to replace her FC Bayern München counterpart.
