Germany v Denmark: Hosts bank on home support as Rudiger returns for Euro 2024 last-16 tie

Hosts Germany received a major boost with news that defender Antonio Rudiger will be fit for Saturday's Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Denmark, having missed training sessions this week with a hamstring strain.

Rudiger's potential absence was a concern for Germany, who are already without fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah, who misses the game through suspension.

Real Madrid defender Rudiger was in high spirits at Friday's training session, joking with Jamal Musiala while doing laps of the pitch at the German training base in Herzogenaurach.

Rudiger injured his hamstring towards the end of Germany's 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the final group game but played on and completed the match.

Nico Schlotterbeck, who faced off against Rudiger in the Champions League final with club side Borussia Dortmund, will take Tah's place in central defence.

Schlotterbeck will be playing on his home pitch at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday (11pm UAE), and he believes it is the perfect venue for the tournament hosts to ride a wave of partisan support against the Danes.

"I think the stadium is something very special because it’s simply the biggest in Germany, the most atmospheric in Germany," said Schlotterbeck. "We have triggered a little euphoria in Germany and are now trying to spread it. And I think if we play a good game, then all the fans will be happy and can cheer us on.”

Having eased to victory against Scotland and Hungary in their opening two group games, Germany had to scramble for a point against the Swiss, needing a late headed equaliser from substitute Niclas Fullkrug. Taking a positive view, manager Julian Nagelsmann believes that experience of mild jeopardy will help them prosper as they transition to knockout football.

He said: "We