Sejad Salihovic in demand

Sali, the Euro 2012 finals are within reach now, after two victories against Belarus. What is occupying your mind at this present time – joy at Bosnia sitting in second place in the table, or disappointment at the injury you suffered, which keeps you out of the weekend game at Mainz 05?

Mostly I'm disappointed that I have to watch Saturday's game from the sidelines. I played well and with a lot of confidence in the first few matches, and was doing a lot to help the team. But injuries are what you sometimes have to deal with in football. I'm just relieved that the injury is a minor one and I can rejoin the team next week. But of course I'm very happy at how the Bosnian team has performed in this qualifying campaign, and I'm confident that we can achieve a play-off place at least.

How exactly did you suffer the injury, and how has it felt since Tuesday?

It was a situation you find dozens of times in a game. I went up for the ball and just landed awkwardl and since then I've had some pain in my knee. But I've been having daily treatment from our physios and I hope to be fit for the Wolfsburg game next weekend.

Your team-mates take on Mainz this weekend. Hoffenheim have lost their last four games against Mainz 05, but do you think that will change this weekend?

I don't like looking back on those matches against Mainz. They were all tight games which we could have won just as easily as they did. I think what we're missing right now to take to the top of the league is ruthlessness in front of goal. We had a lot of chances against Werder Bremen last time out and we were profligate. Hopefully that changes against Mainz on Saturday.