A quartet of key players led by Germany defender Matthias Ginter is fit to face Portugal's Braga in Freiburg's first ever continental semi-final tie in the Europa League on Thursday.

Coach Julian Schuster said that Ginter, Johan Manzambi, Yuito Suzuki and Jordy Makengo have made the trip to Portugal for the first leg match and that "we can fully plan with them."

The four were rested on the weekend in the wake of playing in Thursday's German Cup semi-final they lost 2-1 in extra time at VfB Stuttgart. In their absence, Freiburg lost 4-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Schuster said the whole team is anticipating the tie as they aim to continue their strong run into the final on May 20 in Istanbul where an English side would be the opponent, either Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest. The home leg against Braga is next week.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to play this match. Reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup is something very special," Schuster said.

"You can really sense the excitement and nerves among the lads.”