Klinsmann warning for Ballack

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann expects skipper Michael Ballack to return to the starting line-up for the clash against Poland on Wednesday – but only if “all goes well” in tomorrow’s practice.

A nagging calf injury forced the Chelsea midfielder out of the 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Friday, but after receiving further treatment over the weekend, Ballack now looks set to rejoin full team practice for the first time since June 2.

However, Klinsmann has always considered the successful participation in the final training session a necessity in his selection process. And he is hopeful Ballack will pass the test.

“We expect him to work out with the team and providing all goes well then there should be nothing that can keep him from playing,” Klinsmann said.

“He is working very hard and making good progress. I expect him to play.”

The Germany boss also rubbished reports of a potential power struggle between him and Ballack after deciding to rest his influential skipper – even though the 29-year-old had declared himself fit.

“There were no misunderstandings or problems,” stated the 41-year-old former World Cup winner.

“He told me he felt fit and that he was ambitious to play but the doctors said there might be a risk so we, the coaching staff, decided it would not be possible for him to play.”

Not that the decision was an easy one.

“He is our skipper, our locomotive,” admitted Klinsmann. “To tell your captain that he will not be playing in the opening match really hurt me. But we had to do it because we had no other choice. It was tough for him to swallow.”

Klinsmann admitted his relationship with his star player usually was “very intense”.

“I speak to him a couple of times per day because it is important to know the opinion of your skipper,” stated Klinsmann.

Ballack today underwent a light running and cycling exercise, while his team-mates were granted a full day off.

No further injuries have been reported, with Arsenal stopper Jens Lehmann unaffected by the ankle sprain he picked up in the Costa Rica match.

“Jens has no problems any more,” said Klinsmann.

Klinsmann was also happy that his team’s showing was well received by fans throughout the host nation, with more than 20million fans watched the curtain-raiser on national TV.

“We are relieved that our performance has satisfied all our supporters,” said Klinsmann. “That was important.

“The support all over the country has made the team very happy.

“We really want to thank all the fans for their sensational support everywhere.”

Germany next take on Poland, who are facing a must-win situation after surprisingly losing their opener against Ecuador 2-0.

“That game will be much different from the one against Costa Rica,” stated Klinsmann. “We’re very happy to score four goals in the opener but Poland will be a different calibre. It will be very tough but we are not complaining.”