Germany's World Cup plans have been dealt a massive blow with the news that captain Michael Ballack will miss the tournament.
The Chelsea midfield star has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in a challenge with Portsmouth Kevin-Prince Boateng in Saturday's FA Cup final.
The German Football Federation confirmed the news this morning. "Michael Ballack will not be able to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa," the DFB said.
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