Injury bug continues to dog Germans

Germany coach Dirk Bauermann isn't looking at a rosy picture with his national team just over a couple of weeks away from playing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Injuries first forced the withdrawals of Johannes Herber and Mithat Demirel, and now newcomer Yassin Idbihi has been forced to leave the Mallorca training camp because of a foot problem.

The Koln 99ers ace is to undergo an MRI but will not play in Athens.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old veteran forward Ademola Okulaja is being slowed by a back problem.

He is getting the injury checked out by doctors in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he played college basketball for the Tar Heels.

Okulaja will not play in the friendlies against Poland on Saturday or Monday.

Center Patrick Femerling is set to rejoin the team after being given an extended break after leading Alba Berlin to the German title.

Germany will play in Group B of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens against Cape Verde and New Zealand.

Their first game is against the Cape Verdeans on July 15.

(Credit: FIBA. Click here for further information.)