Germany could go into Sunday's final against Spain without their captain and inspiration Michael Ballack as the midfielder is receiving treatment for a calf injury.
Notable absentee
The 31-year-old sat out the team's final training session in Tenero on Friday and was also a notable absentee tonight as the team were put through their paces at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on the eve of the UEFA EURO 2008™ showpiece. "The muscles has tightened and we'll have to wait and see how things develop," explained coach Joachim Löw. "Our medical people are working around the clock to give him a chance to play."
'Still a chance'
Ballack also missed the 2002 FIFA World Cup through suspension and Löw said that should the Mannschaft's captain not recover, then either Tim Borowski or Bastian Schweinsteiger will assume his place. "He's team captain and an extremely important player, but if he is not fit then someone else will take his position," the 48-year-old added. "Having a squad of 23 means those who haven't played much are highly motivated. We'll have to cope, we will find a solution. I've not counted Michael Ballack out yet though. There is still a chance."
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