Bastian Schweinsteiger: 'Big mistake' to write off Manchester United midfielder, warns Sami Khedira

The German player has struggled with injury in recent years and is currently sidelined

Bastian Schweinsteiger (GETTY IMAGES)

Writing off Bastian Schweinsteiger is a "big mistake" says his international team-mate Sami Khedira.

The Manchester United midfielder is currently injured having suffered a partial tear to a medial ligament in his right knee, giving Sami Khedira the chance to captain Germany in his absence.

Despite being sidelined, Schweinsteiger has been a hot topic of conversation due to his injury record and failure to make much of an impact since moving to Old Trafford last summer. The Independent's Simon Hughes recently wrote that the World Cup winner is someone "that represents a curious metaphor for Manchester United’s problems."

However, Khedira has defended his international team-mate.

"I have to say that it is a big honour for me to captain the Germany national team," Khedira said ahead of Germany's friendly with Italy tonight.

"In fact, we have several players who can take responsibility. In the end the manager decides who wears the captaincy.

"But personally it's not that important for me at the moment because Bastian Schweinsteiger is still our captain.

"Everyone who writes him off makes a big mistake."

Schweinsteiger's latest injury could see him miss the rest of the domestic season.