Chelsea's Michael Ballack has withdrawn from the Germany squad for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers against San Marino and Slovakia with an ankle injury.

GERMAN captain Michael Ballack insisted yesterday his side are only thinking of victory over the Czech Republic in Prague this afternoon to stay top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group D.

WOLFSBURG’S Mike Hanke has withdrawn from the German squad for Saturday’s opening Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Stuttgart.

DIETMAR Hamann looks set to play for Germany for the first time since Jurgen Klinsmann took the reins after getting a call-up for this summer’s Confederations Cup.

REAL MADRID moved up to second place in La Liga after goals from Luis Figo and Michael Owen helped them to a 2-0 win at Malaga.