Michael Ballack has been left out of the Germany squad for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Coach Joachim Low named his 21-man squad on Friday which comprises the majority of the team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Ballack hadn’t played in the summer tournament due to an ankle injury which he suffered in last season’s FA Cup final when playing for his former club Chelsea.
“We had a good and truthful discussion,” Low said, having spoken with Ballack on the phone prior to making his squad announcement.
“Michael is on a good road back after three months out with his injury and everyone is satisfied with his recovery.
“It is important now for him to find his top form with Leverkusen.”
Ballack, who has won 98 caps for his country, played the full 90 minutes in Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund last week.
Germany squad:
Manuel Neuer, Rene Adler, Tim Wiese, Holger Badstuber, Marcell Jansen, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Sascha Riether, Heiko Westermann, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Marko Marin, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Christian Trasch, Cacau, Mario Gomez, Stefan Kiessling, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski.
