Ballack recuperation continues

Ballack: On track

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Michael Ballack trained with the Germany squad on Tuesday, but will not feature in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales.

The Chelsea midfielder has not played for club or country this season after undergoing ankle surgery.

However, coach Joachim Low believes he is on track to return to first-team action, with December a realistic target.

Atmosphere

Germany are currently preparing to host the Welsh at the Wald Stadium, with their sights on landing first place in Group D.

And Low insists Ballack was only training with the side in order to 'soak up the atmosphere' of the squad.

"It was his own wish that he was here to soak up the atmosphere. It was natural for him to join us and he has trust in the German medical staff," he said.

"He is on the way up now and recovering well from the operation. He has trained with the team and everything is going to plan, and slowly but surely he is looking to get back into the Chelsea starting line-up."

Mentality

Low also confirmed his view that Wales are unlikely to be in for an easy ride, despite Germany already having already booked their place in next summer's finals.

"It is not in our mentality to do anything but play for a win. We do not go out to draw or be defeated, that is not in our nature," he added.

"We badly want to win this last game in the group, of course we want to give our fans what they want."