World Cup 2006 News
Ballack scan boost for Germany
Jun 8, 2006, 17:22 GMT
Munich - Germany hope captain Michael Ballack will return for the team's second group match at the World Cup after a scan Thursday revealed no muscle tear on his injured calf muscle.
Ballack, who has been sidelined for Friday's tournament opening match against Costa Rica in Munich, did not train with the team in Munich's stadium Thursday evening.
Instead the 29-year-old midfielder underwent a special training session with U.S. fitness specialist Mark Verstegen.
The scan showed no serious damage to Ballack's right calf muscle, raising hopes he will be fit in time for Germany's second Group A match, against Poland in Dortmund on Wednesday.
'It is a relief that Michael does not have a serious problem,' said national team manager Oliver Bierhoff.
Ballack injured the muscle in a friendly international against Colombia last Friday and has been unable to complete a full training session since then.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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