Ballack is fit and back

After missing the World Cup opener, the Germany captain is back in time for what he thinks are the tougher games. Michael Ballack resumed training Monday and will return to the starting line-up Wednesday when the World Cup host plays Poland. Ballack missed the 4-2 win over Costa Rica last Friday with an injured right calf muscle.

Ballack had wanted to play the Costa Ricans and claimed he had recovered from his injury in time for that match, but coach Juergen Klinsmann thought it would be too risky to send his top player into a game without any practice in five days. Klinsmann and Ballack both denied there was any friction between them, but questions remained on the communication between the two men. “It would have been nice to have played in the opening game, but it’s time to look ahead. I hope to have more important games coming up in this tournament than the opening game,” Ballack said. “I am pleased to have trained again with the team and I am looking forward to the game.”