Michael Ballack has failed to recover from the knee injury he sustained in the summer and hence will not take part in Germany's friendly with Denmark.

The former Chelsea midfielder, who joined the German club during the summer, began training with his new teammates last week, but coach Jupp Heynckes does not think he is ready for the August 11 friendly.

"The match against Denmark is too soon for him. There's no point in thinking about it," Heynckes told the Daily Bild.

"It would be foolhardy. For a friendly game you have to be fully fit."

Michael Ballack is not ready to give his captaincy to Lahm yet. Lahm, who was made captain at the tournament in South Africa due to Ballack’s injury-related absence, had said last week that he would not voluntarily hand back the armband.

But Michael Ballack dismissed this idea at his formal presentation as Bayer Leverkusen player.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has rejected reports he is in contract talks with the club and is uncertain where he will be playing next season.

The injured German international midfielder's deal with the Blues runs out this summer and he has yet to be offered fresh terms. Despite being eager to extend his four-year stay, he has accepted Chelsea's decision to leave negotiations on hold.

Germany head coach Joachim Low has confirmed he is taking in Chelsea's clash with Stoke to assess Michael Ballack's form.

The vastly-experienced midfielder, who is closing on a century of caps for his country, is certain to be part of Germany's World Cup finals squad this summer, with the sports betting placing him at 1/2 to make the squad.

Low insists the London trip is not unexpected and out of the blue and that he plans on holding talks with the former Bayern Munich man after the match.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that the strong collective loyalty and work ethic at Stamford Bridge is the reason that the Blues now top the Premier League table.

"We are a good team and it's great to play in a team like this," the German told the Blues' official website. "Everyone fights for everyone, there is some good experience and we have played together for a few years.

"We play for Chelsea, that's our job, and that's why we have to win games and that's what we have to do now. The team are confident, settled and it's important to win, even in difficult situations."