Frings battles for semifinal fitness

(CNN) -- Germany hope that midfielder Torsten Frings will be able to return to the squad for next Wednesday's Euro 2008 semifinal even though he has fractured ribs.

Frings missed the quarterfinal defeat of Portugal in Basel on Thursday because he damaged his ribs in the group victory over Austria on Monday.

Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Friday: "The rib injury still hurts him .He has had the ribs strapped and we have to look at the injury on a daily basis.

"For now physical contact and sprinting are out of the question and we must wait and see what happens."

Loew had to watch Thursday's triumph from the stands after UEFA gave him a one-match ban for arguing with the fourth official during the defeat of Austria.

"UEFA had made valium and aspirin available," joked Loew who watched the game from a corporate box at the St Jakob Park stadium.

Despite the loss of Frings, Germany were in great form, with Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger outstanding

"We proved against Portugal that we can be strong, if we use our full potential," said Loew.

"It was a game where the team showed a huge level of will, belief and passion on a very high level."

Loew allowed his players some time off before they start preparing for the semifinal against Turkey or Croatia.

"We have to preserve people a little, it's been a tough tournament after a long season for many of the players," said Loew.

"Starting from Sunday we will have some intensive preparations for the semifinals."

"It doesn't matter who we get, we have to try and beat them and play to our full potential.

"Only then will we achieve our goal of playing in the final in Vienna."