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By Mark Meadows
BASEL, June 24 (Reuters) - Turkey captain Emre Belozoglu is still unfit and will not play in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany, coach Fatih Terim said.
The midfielder suffered a hamstring tear following the opening group defeat by Portugal and had been rated 50/50 to recover in time for the Basel match.
"With Emre, it's impossible for him to play," the coach told a news conference on Tuesday, adding that midfielder Tumer Metin, who has a groin strain, may be able to play for the last 30 minutes.
Turkey have goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, defender Emre Asik and midfielders Arda Turan and Tuncay Sanli suspended for Wednesday while injured striker Nihat Kahveci is out of the tournament alongside Emre Gungor.
Defender Servet Cetin is almost certain to miss the semi-final with a knee problem.
Fatih joked during the week that third-choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin might have to play as an outfield player given their woes.
"It was a joke but people took it seriously. It was just a joke to show we had many injured and suspended players," he said on Tuesday.
"Nihat is one of the best strikers in Europe. But I think we just have to look forward and accept the facts as they are. The players that replace the injured and suspended ones will do just as well. We are not looking for excuses."
