Germany defender Hummels likely to miss game against Sweden due to injury

SOCHI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Germany are likely to be playing without centre-back Mats Hummels in Saturday's crunch World Cup clash against Sweden, Germany coach Joachim Loew confirmed on Friday.

"Mats Hummels will probably will be possibly missing the game against Sweden. He injured his neck in a training session yesterday and we don't see any improvement overnight," Loew said at Friday's pre-game press conference.

Loew said that Germany will especially need defenders who are strong in the air against the tall Swedes, but now it "makes no sense for him to play".

Germany will come into Saturday's game aiming for nothing but a win after their opening loss to Mexico in Group F actions.