Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has earned a recall to the Germany squad for their friendly against Austria next Wednesday.
The 31-year-old last appeared for the national team on March 24 last year in a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.
Since then he has been blighted by injury, but he has recently returned to play regularly for the Blues and scored the winner in their 1-0 Premier League victory over Reading last night.
The Germany captain will lead the country out for their first fixture of 2008 in Vienna on February 6.
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"We are delighted that Michael is fully fit and returns to the national team after such a long time out," said Germany coach Joachim Low.
"Since his comeback, he has performed strongly for Chelsea and we hope he can continue this positive development with us.
"As captain and a leading player, he certainly plays a very important role in our plans for Euro 2008."
Since then he has been blighted by injury, but he has recently returned to play regularly for the Blues and scored the winner in their 1-0 Premier League victory over Reading last night.
The Germany captain will lead the country out for their first fixture of 2008 in Vienna on February 6.
mfl
(reopens)
"We are delighted that Michael is fully fit and returns to the national team after such a long time out," said Germany coach Joachim Low.
"Since his comeback, he has performed strongly for Chelsea and we hope he can continue this positive development with us.
"As captain and a leading player, he certainly plays a very important role in our plans for Euro 2008."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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