Frings trains despite broken rib

Germany midfielder Torsten Frings took part in his country's final training session before they travel to Basel for their UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-final against Portugal despite a broken rib – but in-form forward Lukas Podolski was not risked.

Double doubt
Frings, 31, suffered the injury during Germany's 1-0 win against Austria on Monday and looked comfortable in training, although he did not get involved in any tackling. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said: "Torsten really wants to play, which is not normal with a broken rib as it is a very painful injury. Our medical department are doing everything in their power to give him the chance to play on Thursday. It is possible he will play under a local anaesthetic." The 23-year-old Podolski, who scored three goals during the group stage, has been troubled by a calf problem and went through a special routine rather than join in the team session. "The situation with him has improved vastly but we still cannot say whether he will play," Bierhoff added.