Ballack out of two Germany qualifiers

Germany captain Michael Ballack has pulled out of two Euro 2008 qualifiers next month because he has not yet fully recovered from an operation on his ankle, the German FA (DFB) said yesterday. Germany host San Marino on June 2 and Slovakia four days...

Germany captain Michael Ballack has pulled out of two Euro 2008 qualifiers next month because he has not yet fully recovered from an operation on his ankle, the German FA (DFB) said yesterday.

Germany host San Marino on June 2 and Slovakia four days later in qualifying Group D.

Earlier this month, the DFB had to defend team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt's decision to operate on Ballack, saying the player risked serious injury without immediate treatment.

British media had criticised the timing of the operation which deprived Chelsea of Ballack in the run-in to the end of the season. Some journalists suggested Ballack chose to have the surgery without consulting Chelsea officials.

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