Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is confident that defender Jerome Boateng will be fit for his side's round-of-16 match against Slovakia on Sunday.
Boateng was withdrawn with calf problems in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat of Northern Ireland and is facing a race against time to return to full fitness for Germany's meeting with Slovakia in Lille.
While the rest of the Germany squad resumed training on Friday after being granted a day off on Thursday, Boateng was limited to an individual cycling and running session.
Speaking at a news conference in Germany's tournament base in Evian, Neuer said: "It's important that he listens to his body and is in close contact with the medical staff.
"In the end it's his decision if he plays or not. And although blind ambition is a bad adviser, I am convinced he will take to the pitch on Sunday."
Boateng and Neuer during the group stages were keys for Germany as they did not concede a single goal, and the shot-stopper added: "We are all well aware of Jerome's qualities and hope he can play."
Despite wins against Ukraine and Northern Ireland and a goalless draw with Poland, the 2014 World Cup winners have yet to fully impress in France.
Neuer said: "We played against teams defending deep, did not get a lot of spaces. You can only lose in those games."
Should Germany beat Slovakia on Sunday, they will take on the winner of Spain versus Italy in the quarterfinals, and Neuer believes that Joachim Low's men can only win fans over in those games.
"The Nationalmannschaft can only win against big teams. That's why there currently is no euphoria," he said, adding that only "a win by a high margin" could be an "initial spark" against Slovakia.
In May, Jan Kozak's side beat Germany 3-1 in a tournament warm-up match, but, while Neuer is cautious, he added that "we are well prepared and want to decide the tie as early as possible."
The Bayern Munich shot-stopper warned not only to focus on Martin Hamsik, Slovakia's star player in midfield, but to keep an eye on his teammates as well.
Of the Napoli midfielder, Neuer said: "Everyone's aware of his long distance shots. He has scored beautiful goals. During the group stages he did not play upfront, but rather in the second line. Our holding midfielders have to be wide-awake and attack him early."