Ballack misses training

Chelsea’s Michael Ballack sat out Germany’s first practice session in Berlin today due to a slight calf strain.

The Germany skipper missed the first of his country’s three World Cup warm-up matches against Luxembourg after twisting his ankle in a practice match but the midfielder played in the final two friendlies versus Japan and Colombia.

The decision to rest Ballack from training was “a precautionary measure”, said DFB spokesperson Harald Stenger.

“Michael Ballack stayed in the hotel and received treatment for a right calf strain,” Stenger told PA Sport at the practice ground.

“With the team practising sprints today, it was decided to give him a rest and not to risk anything.”

Hosts Germany open the World Cup against Costa Rica on Friday.