Michael Ballack is out of the World Cup South Africa 2010

German captain Michael Ballack will not be able to play at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This is the result of an MRI scan performed this Monday in Munich.

The tomogram showed a torn interior ligament and a partial rupture of the syndesmosis ligament of his right ankle, which for the time being will have to be immobilized and put in a cast. Ballack will then wear a specially designed shoe for two weeks.

German team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt said, that according to today’s diagnosis, Ballack can look forward to a complete recovery, but that a minimum eight weeks will be required before the German skipper may consider returning to regular training.