RIO DE JANEIRO, July 4 — Seven of Germany’s World Cup squad have been hit by ‘flu symptoms and sore throats ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final against France in Rio de Janeiro, coach Joachim Loew said today.

“Seven players have somehow got light flu-like symptoms,” Loew told German radio ARD with the majority of those affected suffering from “sore throats”.

“I hope they will all be okay.”

Loew put the illness down to the air conditioning, travel stress and different climates as the team moves around Brazil for matches.

The 54-year-old did not name those concerned, but two members are already known to been affected.

Centre-back Mats Hummels missed the last 16 win over Algeria on Monday while defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer is struggling to be fit to face France.

Yesterday, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revealed Hummels had been kept away from his team-mates at the team’s hotel to stop the bug from spreading.

A decision on which players can play at Rio’s Maracana stadium may have to be made by the German FA (DFB) team doctor today. — AFP