Khedira: Don't Write Off Schweinsteiger

Sami Khedira feels it would be a mistake for anyone to write off Bastian Schweinsteiger after his latest injury setback.

The Manchester United midfielder suffered knee ligament damage while on international duty with Germany and could struggle to return before the end of the season.

But Juventus star Khedira says it is far too early to write off the 31-year-old, whose first season in England has proved a disappointment.

"You almost get the feeling that he has left us for good and won't play football again, but anybody who writes him off is making a big mistake," Khedira said at a press conference ahead of Germany's clash against Italy.

With Schweinsteiger absent for the match in Munich, Khedira will again captain Germany, an honour he says is "something special" given his nation have so many veteran leaders in the squad.

"We've got Manu [Neuer], Jerome [Boateng], Mats [Hummels], Toni [Kroos] or Thomas [Muller], many players whose voices carry weight," he added.

"I am just one of many."

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss the match against Italy because of a stomach bug.

Credit: Skysports.com