Mats Hummels got off to a flying start with the German team in their opening game at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but was forced off late on. In the 4-0 win over Portugal, Borussia Dortmund’s central defender scored Germany’s second goal before hobbling off injured.

Hummels seemed to have twisted his right knee in the 70th minute following an aerial clash with Portugal’s Eder and had to be helped off the pitch. A few minutes earlier, he also had suffered a knock on the thigh.

“Mats is a weapon at attacking headers,“ said Germany coach Joachim Löw about Borussia Dortmund’s centre-half who was turning in a great performance prior to his injury capped off with a headed goal to put Germany 2-0 up on 32 minutes. “It was a great goal from and came at the right time,” said Löw.

Asked about Hummels’ injury, the Germany coach said: “He got a knock on the thigh, and the muscle tightened up. Mats was unable to sprint, but I don’t think it’s serious.”