Germany Coach Joachim Loew Will Not Call Up Michael Ballack For Kazakhstan & Australia Matches

Germany coach Joachim Loew has revealed Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack will not be re-introduced into the national team when he announces his side later today.

Die Mannschaft take on Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier on March 25 and Australia in an international friendly three days later.

Loew believes the 34-year-old has been improving since injuring his ankle in May and damaging ligaments in his leg in September.

“He must reach a certain level of performance in Leverkusen, but things are looking better for him there,” the national team coach told Kicker.

In Ballack’s absence, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira have formed a strong combination, as the tactician looks towards winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“That is always the goal. We have developed a good, young side with great prospects,” he added. “There is plenty of motivation to take things forward and win a title.

“This team is on a very good path.”

Ballack has received 98 caps for Germany, scoring 42 goals.