Ballack fit despite head injury - Neuville quits injured

Ballack said that the injury, sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw of his club Chelsea against Portsmouth, was not grave and that he will be fit to play in Vienna.

 The 31-year-old is making his return to Germany action after more than 10 months. Ballack last played for his country in March 2007 before being sidelined for a long time with an ankle injury.

 "I expect no problems, it is very important that he returns," said coach Joachim Loew.

 But Neuville, from second division Moenchengladbach, had to quit Sunday over a foot injury sustained in a league match Friday.

 The majority of players gathered on Sunday in Frankfurt, including Bayern Munich reserve striker Lukas Podolski, who is ready for action despite a recent lower back problem.      Loew also expressed his joy that Jens Lehmann was playing only his third match for English leaders Arsenal on Saturday after being benched there for months.

 "There was not a lot of work for Jens, but the most important thing is that he played," said Loew.

 Lehmann is expected to be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the Euro 2008 tournament June 7-29 in Austria and Switzerland. 

   The matches against the two host nations (Germany play Switzerland in March) are the only friendlies before Loew nominates his Euro squad.

DPA