Sami Khedira Insists Bastian Schweinsteiger Is Still Germany's Leader
It would be a "big mistake" to presume Bastian Schweinsteiger's time at the top level is winding down, says Germany midfielder Sami Khedira.
Sami Khedira has warned against writing off stricken Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Juventus midfielder Khedira will skipper the world champions in Schweinsteiger's absence against Italy in Munich on Tuesday, with the Manchester United man having suffered partial tear of his right medial collateral knee ligament during the build-up to Saturday's 3-2 loss against England.
Khedira has suffered more than his share of injury setbacks over recent seasons and believes Schweinsteiger can return to a prominent role with Joachim Low's national team, despite his Euro 2016 participation now being in doubt.
"I have to say that it is a big honour for me to captain the Germany national team," Khedira told a news conference.
"But personally it's not that important for me at the moment because Bastian Schweinsteiger is still our captain.
"Everyone who writes him off makes a big mistake. And, in fact, we have several players who can take responsibility. In the end the manager decides who wears the captaincy."
