Ankle scare for Ballack

German international captain Michael Ballack suffered an injury scare ahead of the World Cup after picking up an ankle knock in a warm-up match in Geneva.

The 29-year-old Ballack was forced off in the 26th minute with an injury to his left ankle to give manager Jurgen Klinsmann a headache before the finals.

Ballack, who recently signed for English champions Chelsea, is Germany's top player with an impressive 30 goals in 63 internationals.

Germany's assistant coach Joachim Low said that the injury wasn't serious and that Ballack just needed to rest for a few days.

"There is no risk to Michael's participation at the World Cup," said Low after the match against a junior side from Swiss club Servette which Germany won 12-0.

"He will rest for two to three days."

The World Cup begins on June 9 with Germany hosting Costa Rica in Munich.