Confusion about Ballack's fitness as he says he wants to play

Jun 8, 2006, 22:52 GMT

Munich - Germany captain Michael Ballack late Thursday contradicted his coach Juergen Klinsmann who earlier in the day said that the midfielder would not be able to play in Germany's opening match against Costa Rica on Friday.

Ballack is quoted in an article made available ahead of publication in Bild newspaper on Friday that he wanted to play. 'I have had intensive treatment and I have no pain. I want to play.

'I have no pain and I have told the coach that. It is up to him whether he lets me play or not.

Earlier Thursday Klinsmann said at the final press conference ahead of the game that Ballack, 29, would not be able to play against Costa Rica. 'The most important thing is to think ahead. I hope that he will be available for the second game.'

Ballack 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.

He also underwent a scan on Thursday and it showed no serious damage to Ballack's right calf muscle, at the time 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.