Germany striker Miroslav Klose is a major doubt for Saturday's World Cup third place match against Portugal in Stuttgart.

The tournament's leading scorer is struggling with a calf injury and fears he may be reduced to watching the hosts' final game from the sidelines.

"I have pain in the calf muscle. We'll have to see how it is on match day," said Klose.

"I do want to play but if it makes no sense I'll sit the game out."

One German who will definitely miss the game is central defender Per Mertesacker.

The 21-year-old has played every minute for the hosts so far, but has now left the national team's training camp in order to undergo surgery on a heel injury.