Sami Khedira plays down Neymar absence

Sami Khedira has played down suggestions that Germany will go into Tuesday's World Cup semi-final clash with Brazil as favorites due to Neymar's absence.

The 22-year-old, who struck four goals in the competition, will play no further part after suffering a back injury in Friday's 2-1 defeat to Colombia.

However, Khedira has rejected the notion that Die Mannschaft have the upper hand, claiming that Brazil are still more than capable of fielding a "super team".

"It is bad news for us and for fans of football. The Brazilians will put out a super team even without Neymar," he told Bild.

Tuesday's encounter in Belo Horizonte is scheduled to kick off at 9pm.