Nervous Germany wait on injured Ballack

His absence would be a major blow to Germany’s hopes of a fourth European title. The midfielder’s match-winning goals against Austria in the group stage and Portugal in the quarter-finals ensured their progress in the tournament.

If Ballack fails to recover in time it would leave coach Joachim Loew contemplating a major reshuffle of his midfield.

There is no obvious replacement for a player who missed the 2002 World Cup final through suspension. Loew said Tim Borowski or Bastian Schweinsteiger might take over.

Schweinsteiger is certain to start, whatever his position. Along with fellow attacking midfielder Lukas Podolski and striker Miroslav Klose, he would have an extra goalscoring burden on him if Ballack missed out against a buoyant Spain.

Luis Aragones’s men have been the most entertaining side at the tournament, driven forward by a midfield blend of pace, flair and ball skills that have run their opponents ragged.

Having dispensed with world champions Italy on penalties, Cesc Fabregas, along with Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi, turned Russia inside out in a 3-0 semi-final victory.