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World Cup injury worry for Ballack

Michael Ballack took a real blow to the ankle at Wembley © Getty Images

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Michael Ballack could still be fit to captain Germany at the World Cup finals despite suffering an ankle injury in Saturday's FA Cup final victory over Portsmouth.

Ballack was substituted in the first half at Wembley after being on the receiving end of a strong tackle from Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was booked following the incident.

Ballack looked in some pain following the challenge and after attempting to carry on, was forced off in the 44th minute when being replaced by Juliano Belletti.

Coincidentally, Boateng has been named in Ghana's 30-man preliminary squad for the finals in South Africa and could well face Germany, the country of his birth, in Group D.

But Ballack may be present at the World Cup after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the injury is not serious, and should not prevent the midfielder travelling to South Africa.

"We don't think it is a bad injury,'' Ancelotti said. "We hope he will be ready for the World Cup.''

Ballack was more cautious on his chances of making the World Cup, saying: "It's not that good at the moment, but I have to wait until tomorrow for the scan, and then we will know more. I went off and couldn't carry on, but it's not that bad."

Ballack was angry with Boateng's behaviour and said his opponent should have been shown a red card by referee Chris Foy. "Challenges can happen but it looks like he goes for the leg," the German said.

Germany face Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Denmark in three friendly fixtures before their World Cup campaign kicks off with a game against Australia on June 13.

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