Bayern Munich midfielders Mario Gotze and Bastian Schweinsteiger will miss Germany’s World Cup qualifiers against Austria and the Faroe Islands due to injury.

There was mixed injury news in defence for GiovanniTrapattoni yesterday as it was confirmed that long-termabsentee Sean St Ledger will not now need surgery to a troublesome hamstring problem, but a strain in the same area looks likely to keep John O’Shea out of Ireland’s February friendly with Poland.

Sean St Ledger still doesn’t know if he’ll be fit for Ireland’s World Cup games in March as he battles to recover from a rare injury-related condition.

Our columnist believes energy and endeavour can compensate for the missing experience when Ireland take on Germany tonight – even if the opposition can seem to hail from a different planet, never mind a different league

Usain Bolt is fit and firing ahead of the Olympics, according to his agent.

Bastian Schweinsteiger will board the plane which takes Germany to Poland today after being given the all-clear to return to full training.

Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of his world heavyweight title defence against Dereck Chisora for the second time – fuelling speculation he is set to fight David Haye instead.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness claims his club will fight "to the bitter end" to receive compensation from the Dutch Football Federation for the injury to Arjen Robben.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has accused Dutch physiotherapist Dick van Toorn of needing glasses for failing to spot that Arjen Robben had a serious injury.

Germany captain Michael Ballack admits his World Cup dream is over, despite being approached by several doctors who claim they could cure him within a fortnight.

Germany boss Joachim Low today admitted he was “shocked” to learn captain Michael Ballack would miss the World Cup but urged his players to form a united front in South Africa in his absence.

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury, the German Football Federation have confirmed.

Chelsea have confirmed midfielder Michael Ballack has undergone surgery to cure a nerve problem in his right foot.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has undergone surgery on both feet, the German football federation have announced.

Jose Maria Olazabal, out of action since August with rheumatism, has entered next week’s Qatar Masters.

Jose Maria Olazabal, out of action since August with rheumatism, is hoping to return to golf late next month – but he accepts it will be difficult to keep his Ryder Cup place.

THE Israel Football Association have revealed that Chelsea head coach Avram Grant is set to start studying for his UEFA Pro licence early next year.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has been boosted the news that Germany midfielder Michael Ballack is entering the final weeks of his recovery from a long-term ankle injury.

The Israel Football Association have revealed that Chelsea head coach Avram Grant is set to start studying for his UEFA Pro licence early next year.

Germany boss Joachim Low is to contact Chelsea next week to ask them to explain Michael Ballack's exclusion from their Champions League squad.

Owen Hargreaves may miss the second leg of Bayern Munich’s Champions League last 16 tie with Real Madrid after picking up an ankle injury.

Jose Maria Olazabal has warned against expecting too much too soon of some of Europe’s rising stars.