"We'll talk to the doctor and see if he can play, or if it's better to wait two or three days," Klinsmann said at a news conference at their Swiss training camp on Monday.

    "But in no circumstances will we take a risk."

    Ballack suffered a minor ankle strain in a training match Thursday. He was due to return to light training on Monday.

    Germany play the opening match of the World Cup against Costa Rica in Munich on June 9 and also face Poland and Ecuador in Group A. Their final warm-up is against Colombia in Moenchengladbach on June 2.

    Defender Robert Huth is also doubtful for the match against Japan because of an ankle problem, while Philipp Lahm is still recovering from an elbow injury and will not be fit in time, Klinsmann said. Enditem