Klinsmann won't risk Ballack

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has stressed Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack will not be risked in the friendly with Japan because of his ankle injury.

Ballack, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, could also miss the warm-up game with Colombia on Friday.

Klinsmann said on Ballack: “We won’t risk anything. He has been through running exercises and we will see how it goes.”

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bernd Schneider believes Saturday’s 7-0 thrashing of lowly Luxembourg proved Germany can perform without their instrumental playmaker.

“One could see we can play without him but of course we are much stronger when he is on board,” said Schneider.