Germany "optimistic" over Jerome Boateng fitness

Germany are "optimistic" that key centre-back Jerome Boateng will be fit for Sunday's Euro 2016 last-16 clash with Slovakia, according to the national team's assistant boss Marcus Sorg.

The Bayern Munich defender had to be substituted during Germany's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland last time out, and it had been feared that the 27-year-old would miss the clash in Lille.

Sorg, however, has revealed that Boateng "is getting better" and should be available to start alongside Mats Hummels at the heart of the German defence.

"His muscular induration is getting better. The medical staff and Jerome are working on it. We are all very optimistic, but I'm not a prophet. We all hope that it works out and will do everything for it," Sorg told reporters.

Germany are yet to concede a single goal in this summer's tournament.