Michael Ballack has been withdrawn from the German squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualification matches against Liechtenstein and Finland due to the foot injury reported on this website on Friday.

Having previously suggested that Ballack could recover in time for the trip to Helsinki, Germany coach Joachim Löw announced today (Wednesday):

'Michael will not be playing against Finland. He must have a break of eight or nine days.'

This followed Ballack's statement that 'the original diagnosis of the Chelsea doctor has been confirmed. It means I will be out for at least two weeks.'

Ballack suffered the injury in the opening day victory over Portsmouth, causing him to miss the friendly win over Belgium. He returned against Wigan but unfortunately the injury caused his withdrawal from the Tottenham game and the qualifiers this week.