Injured Bresonik accepts Germany absence

Germany's injury list for UEFA Women's EURO 2013 is growing after experienced defender Linda Bresonik was ruled out with an Achilles problem.

The Paris Saint-Germain FC full-back has been feeling pain in her left foot for months and although she hoped to get to the finals through a lighter training schedule, the inflamed tendon has forced her to pull out of next month's tournament in Sweden.

Bresonik's absence is a blow after the previous withdrawals of Viola Odebrecht, Verena Faisst and Alexandra Popp – especially as the 84-time capped 29-year-old was part of the European Championship victories of 2001 and 2009 as well as both of Germany's FIFA Women's World Cup triumphs.

"It just doesn't make sense to keep going," explained Bresonik. "Obviously it's not an easy situation for me because I really wanted to be there in Sweden. My aim is to have an operation as soon as possible so as to finally be pain free."

Coach Silvia Neid, who will name her squad next week after home friendlies against Scotland and Canada, said: "It's another tough blow for us. We have lost an experienced player and we will certainly miss her at the EUROs.

"An intensive preparation wouldn't have been possible in her condition, and then there's the increased strain of playing several tournament games in a short time. It would be irresponsible to play her at the EUROs."