RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — Seven of Germany’s World Cup squad have been hit by flu symptoms and sore throats ahead of today’s quarter-final match against France, head coach Joachim Loew confirmed yesterday.

The full squad trained at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium on the eve of the game with no obvious ill effects.

But Loew has said seven players are affected, without stating who, and centre-back Mats Hummels missed Monday’s last 16 win over Algeria with illness.

“One third of our squad were complaining of sore throats and perhaps they picked something up from the air-conditioning and different climates here,” said Loew.

“Sometimes you have to wait and see how things develop.

“Mats ran a fever at the start of the week, but all players were able to train today (yesterday).

“Some have a slight cold, but there is no lethargy and I hope it stays that way

over night.”

The German FA (DFB) had previously said defensive midfielder Christoph Kramer is struggling to be fit for the Rio clash after showing flu-like symptoms.

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.

But the Borussia Dortmund star tweeted on Wednesday that he is “almost 100 per cent” ready to face the French.