Bastian Schweinsteiger: 'Neymar injury will inspire Brazil'

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has expressed his belief that Neymar's World Cup-ending injury will inspire Brazil when the two sides meet in Tuesday night's semi-final.

The 22-year-old was a key part of the Selecao's hopes of winning the tournament on home soil, but a back problem will see him miss the remainder of the showpiece event.

"We're all sad that Neymar can't play, it's always better when the opponent has all their best players on the pitch," Schweinsteiger is quoted as saying by FIFA.com. "It'll bring the [Brazil] team together and they'll want to win the title for him."

Brazil will also be without suspended captain Thiago Silva, although the South Americans have lodged an appeal with FIFA over the decision.