Accident shakes Germany

The German national team held its first press conference on Wednesday since a car accident shook the team's training camp in Southern Tyrol. Two people were left hospitalized following a car accident involving two of Germany's squad on Tuesday. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff, appearing with players Sami Khedira and Erik Durm at the press conference, said they had little new information on those injured.

"I hope that the man recovers and gets out of hospital soon," said Khedira of the person who sustained critical injuries in the accident.

There's no denying the team will be looking to regain their focus after the dramatic incident. While filming a commercial for Mercedes on a closed circuit, 19-year-old DTM driver Pascal Wehrlein's car collided with two individuals, who were later taken to hospital. Neither of them belongs to the Germany group.

Wehrlein released a statement on his Facebook page saying the accident "shook him to the core" and that he "hoped to hear positive news soon." Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg, who drove another car as part of the commercial, also released a comment on social media, sending his thoughts to those injured.

Schalke players Julian Draxler and Benedikt Höwedes were passengers in the cars driven by Wehrlein and Rosberg, and the pair spoke to Germany's team psychologist afterwards. They were back on the training ground late Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bastian Schweinstieger, struggling with knee tendonitis, also returned to team training. Captain Philipp Lahm completed a light training session with a fitness coach, as both he and Manuel Neuer are expected to be fit for the opening World Cup game on June 16. Dortmund wing back Erik Durm is expected to be tested in Germany's friendly against Cameroon in Monchengladbach ahead of Joachim Löw's final 23-man squad selection on June 2.

jh/mz (dpa, sid)