Boateng withdrawn as a precaution, says Low

Paris - Jerome Boateng's substitution during Germany's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Tuesday was a precautionary measure after he complained of a calf problem, manager Joachim Low said.

The Bayern Munich centre-back was withdrawn in the 76th minute at Parc des Princes, where Mario Gomez's first-half goal sent Germany into the Euro 2016 knockout phase as Group C winners.

But Low is optimistic that he will be able to line up in Lille on Sunday, when Germany will play either Albania, Slovakia or the third-place team in Group F, which is yet to conclude.

"At half-time, Jerome had a problem in his leg," Low told his post-match press conference.

"It did not get not better in the second half, so it was clear that there would be a substitution because the risk was too big.

"If something happens in the calf, this means two or three weeks out. I didn't want to take that risk."

He added, "I think we have substituted him early enough and I hope the medical staff will succeed with him. I assume that he will play in the next game."