EVIAN: France are favourites in the Euro 2016 semi-final against injury-hit Germany but the world champions' absences will not affect their game, with a string of youngsters ready to step up, team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Tuesday.

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 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 filled up on confidence with the win over Iceland, they have grown together as a team.

Emre Can is a likely replacement for Khedira in the hold midfield position, with 20-year-old Julian Weigl another midfield option for coach Joachim Loew.

"We have been gradually improving during the tournament. I am convinced we can compensate for these absences," Bierhoff said. "It could also be that players who were not in focus before the tournament or do not have great international experience turn out to be decisive."