Rudy may wear a mask to face Koreans

Germany midfielder Sebastian Rudy could play in a protective mask against South Korea in Kazan on Wednesday when his side look to book their place in the World Cup knockout phase.

Rudy was expected to miss the crunch Group F clash after sustaining a nasal bone fracture after half an hour of Germany’s dramatic late win over Sweden on Saturday night.

However, Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg told a press conference yesterday that he had not given up hope 0 Rudy leaves the pitch after being injured against Sweden. that Rudy will avoid joining the suspended Jerome Boateng on the sidelines.

Sorg said: “Sebastian Rudy underwent surgery yesterday so we have to be prepared for him to be sidelined for the next match. But if there is the pos- sibility for him to play in a protective mask, we could consider it.”

Germany will be boosted by the return of defender Matshummels,whomissed the Sweden match with a minor neck injury but is ready to return for Joachim Low’s men.

Sorg added: “Mats Hummel is back into full training today, so he will be fit for the next match.”

After their shock opening loss to Mexico, who have guaranteed their place in the last 16, Germany need to match or better Sweden’s result against the Mexicans in order to ensure progression. Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner have been fined by Fifa over their celebrations in the 2-1 World Cup Group E win over Serbia last Friday.

Fifa yesterday said Xhaka and Shaqiri had been fined 10,000 Swiss francs (£7,632) each and Lichtsteiner 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,816), with all three also given warnings, having “infringed the Fifa disciplinary code for unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair play.”

Xhaka and Shaqiri, who