Ballack furious over delayed treatment claims

BERLIN, June 8 (Reuters) Michael Ballack has reacted furiously to criticism of the way he handled the injury that will keep him out of Germany's World Cup opener against Costa Rica in Munich tomorrow.

The captain and playmaker suffered a strain to his right calf in a 3-0 warm-up win over Colombia on June 2.

German media have questioned why he did not receive treatment until the squad reassembled on Monday but Ballack said the problem did not emerge until later.

''Contrary to all the speculation and reports, I was pain free when I travelled home after the Colombia game,'' Ballack said in a statement released by the German Football Association today.

''I first felt a muscle problem on Sunday evening and immediately after arriving at the team hotel on Monday I was treated by the medical staff.

''I completely reject all allegations this was handled unprofessionally. Such claims are an affront. It's almost a slur on my reputation.'' Medical staff have been working on Ballack's calf muscle intensively since Monday.

Ballack also received treatment from an alternative therapist, according to a report in Bild newspaper today.

Coach Juergen Klinsmann said he had no problem with his players seeking such external help.

''If there is someone Michael has confidence in, who are we to deny him the right to see them?'', said Klinsmann.

''If he wants alternative treatment, let him do it, but it's us who will decide whether he has a clean bill of health.'' According to Bild, several members of the squad have been treated by the alternative therapist.

REUTERS