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Michael Ballack could give the host nation a boost by making a shock return for Germany’s opener with Costa Rica.

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann had ruled his captain out of the World Cup opener – with the midfielder struggling with a calf injury.

However, the recent Chelsea signing believes he is fit and wants to play.

“I am fit, I want to play,” he told Bild. “I am ready and without problems.

“I have had intensive treatment. I feel fit and I’m not feeling pain any more. I want to play,

“Whether I will be playing or not is up to the national team coach.”

Although Klinsmann feels he will be better resting Ballack for the bigger tests that lie ahead, and it remains to be seen if he opts to start with the talismanic playmaker.

Ballack has criticised Klinsmann’s tactics in the buildup to the World Cup, saying the team’s attacking approach leaves the defence too vulnerable.

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