The Chelsea midfielder has not played for his country since a 2-1 win in the Czech Republic last March because of a long-term ankle injury, but should make his comeback against Germany'sEuro 2008 group-stage opponents.

The 31-year-old suffered a head injury playing for his club at the weekend and sat out training on Monday because of a calf problem, but will still be ready to win his 78th cap.

National manager Oliver Bierhoff told the Bild newspaper: "We didn't want to take any risks. Michael got a knock on his calf in the Chelsea game. But his appearance against Austria is not in danger."

And coach Joachim Low claims the whole squad are thrilled to have their captain back.

He told the German Football Association's (DFB) official website, www.dfb.de: "I believe that he is very important for every player. He has the aura and the charisma to give the team a boost in the build-up."

Germany qualified comfortably for Euro 2008, but their form tailed off once their participation in Austria and Switzerland was assured.

They won just one of their last three group games, including a home defeat to Czech Republic and a home draw with Wales, and Low wants the team to start focusing on this summer's championships - starting on Wednesday.

He told www.dfb.de: "I am very pleased that we have this game. Due to the fact we only have a short time to prepare, every day is very worthwhile. The countdown to the European Championships begins with this game.

"For me the game is a normal friendly and not a grudge match. But we all still want to win."

Low's side, who have also been drawn in the same group as Poland and Croatia for the tournament, have several injury concerns, with Torsten Frings, Arne Friedrich, Marcell Jansen, Clemens Fritz, Christian Pander, Oliver Neuville and Christoph Metzelder all missing.

But that could give Schalke duo Heiko Westermann and Jermaine Jones the chance to stake their claim for a place on the plane this summer.

Both could make their debuts on Wednesday, with Westermann, called up to the squad for the first time, almost certain to get his first cap with a whole host of fellow defenders out.

The 24-year-old, who only moved to Gelsenkirchen in the summer, told www.dfb.de: "I have battled for a starting place at Schalke, played in the Champions League and have now been called up to the national team. It could not have gone better for me."

Jones has been in the squad twice before, for matches against Cyprus and Wales, but both times had to withdraw because of injury.

Low though views the defensive midfielder as a potential replacement for Werder Bremen's Frings.

He said: "Because of his running and tackling abilities he is, following the loss of Torsten Frings, an alternative in the central position in defensive midfield."

Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria have lost their past two games against Germany on home soil, conceding eight goals and scoring just two.

And they have not played a competitive international since the end of the qualifying campaign for the last World Cup - qualifying automatically as hosts for this summer.

But captain Andreas Ivanschitz, who is in fine form with his Greek club side Panathinaikos, remains confident Josef Hickersberger's can spring an upset.

The 24-year-old told the Austrian Football Association's (OFB) official website, www.oefb.de: "We will go into the game with respect, but not with fear. Even favourites lose games.

"I also know that a lot is expected of me. Therefore it is certainly an advantage that I am now always playing for Panathinaikos."

And Hickersberger warned Germany would still prove tough opponents despite the absence of a number of their key players.

He said: "It is dangerous that in Austria people see who the Germans are missing and then some believe that Germany are coming with a B-team and we are favourites."