Ballack focuses on fitness training

BERLIN, June 10 (Reuters) Germany captain Michael Ballack, who missed the host nation's opening World Cup game due to a calf injury, did fitness training and some running today, the German Football Association said.

Ballack had declared himself fit ahead of yesterday's match against Costa Rica, whigh Germany won 4-2, but coach Juergen Klinsmann ruled it was too soon after his injury for the influential midfielder to play in Munich.

The FA statement did not say if Ballack was now considered fully fit but he is widely expected to return to the side for their next Group A match with Poland on Wednesday in Dortmund.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who went over on his ankle in the Costa Rica game, suffered no lasting effects. ''He also did the whole fitness programme today,'' a spokesman said.

REUTERS DH BST1749