Joachim Low is confident Michael Ballack will return for Germany and pass the milestone of 100 appearances.
Germany coach confident injured skipper will make comeback
Joachim Low is confident Michael Ballack will return to the Germany side next year and win at least two more caps to pass the milestone of 100 appearances.
Bayern Leverkusen midfielder Ballack has been injured effectively for the last six months after he damaged ankle ligaments in May, which kept him out of the World Cup, then fractured his leg in September, just three games into his comeback.
But Germany coach Low is convinced the 34-year-old, who has won 98 caps for his country, will make it a century in 2011.
"I hope he reaches the 100-cap mark, because Michael has been an ambassador for this country for a long time," Low told
Bild.
"He doesn't deserve to end his career like this.
"Michael will fight for his chance, he is not someone who gives up easily."
Real Madrid's Sami Khedira and Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger have forged an effective midfield partnership for Germany in Ballack's absence, while Bayern defender Philipp Lahm has stepped in as caretaker captain.
