Evian: France are favourites in the Euro 2016 semi-final against an injury-hit Germany, but the absence of some of the key players won't be affecting the world champions, feels Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

According to the former striker, Germany have a string of youngsters ready to step up and make up for the absence of the key names.

Germany will be without injured holding midfielder Sami Khedira and striker Mario Gomez, while also missing central defender Mats Hummels through suspension.

Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is also doubtful for the game, nursing a knee ligament injury. But Bierhoff said the depth of Germany's squad would compensate for the missing players.

"I think France are slight favourites in this game," Bierhoff told a news conference. "They have a huge amount of confidence with the win over Iceland and have grown together as a team.

"They also do not have 120 minutes in their bones like we have from our quarter final with Italy. So, I think they are favourites because they have the home advantage and are a bit fresher."

France eased past Iceland 5-2, while Germany needed extra time and then penalties to edge past Italy, with Khedira, Gomez and Schweinsteiger all sustaining injuries in that game and Hummels booked with a second yellow card of the tournament to be suspended from one game.

"We have some injuries, yes, but despite that we do not have a reduced squad. We have players who are ready to go, so we are confident because we can count on players who are prepared and have proved their quality."