Germany play down Ballack injury

Michael Ballack suffered an injury scare ahead of the World Cup when he twisted his left ankle in Germany´s 12-0 practice match win over the youth side of Geneva-based club Servette.

The influential skipper limped off the pitch in the 26th minute without opposing player contact.

Assistant coach Joachim Low expects the 29-year-old Chelsea signing to be on the sidelines for a couple of days.

“A first diagnosis has not revealed anything dramatic,” said Low.

“There are absolutely no concerns that he will miss the World Cup.”

Ballack is not expected to play in Germany´s friendly clash with Luxembourg on Saturday.

“We won´t risk anything,” added Low. “He might perhaps rest two or three days.”

Germany moved on to a 12-0 victory over the youth side, with Oliver Neuville scoring a hat-trick and Bastian Schweinsteiger grabbing a brace. Chelsea defender Robert Huth also got on the scoresheet.