Former Germany boss Rudi Voller today claimed Michael Ballack was irreplaceable after the Chelsea midfielder was ruled out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury

Ballack's injury a huge set back, says Voller

Former Germany boss Rudi Voller today claimed Michael Ballack was irreplaceable after the Chelsea midfielder was ruled out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury.

Voller, who managed the national team from 2000 to 2004, said in the Bild newspaper: "It's brutal, terrible for Michael.

"He was full of optimism and wanted to play a good World Cup. There are players in the team who can't be replaced and Michael Ballack is certainly one of them."

Former Germany international Dieter Hoeness feels Ballack's influence will also be missed in the dressing room.

He said, "It is a setback, no question. Michael Ballack is an excellent player but, above all, he is a leader. I do not see many alternatives, Michael Ballack is very difficult to replace."

Former Germany midfielder Olaf Thon added: "After losing Ballack, we have lost the head of the team. For him, it is a real shame because this would have been his last World Cup as a player."

Ballack was told he could play no part in the World Cup after a scan revealed the severity of an ankle injury suffered in the FA Cup final win.

"It's hard to accept, of course I'm disappointed," said Ballack. Germany coach Joachim Loew said, "We're going to work to find a good solution."

Ballack limped out of the FA Cup final win after a heavy tackle. A scanu00a0 brought the news he didn't want to hear: a partially torn ligament and an eight-week layoff. His right ankle will have to be put in a plaster cast. He will then have to wear a special shoe for two weeks.

Bitter blow
The injury is a bitter blow for Ballack who was still looking for a first international success at the World Cup after 2002 (2nd) and 2006 (3rd).

He started his career at Chemnitz before moving to Kaiserslautern (1997-99), Bayer Leverkusen (1999-2002), Bayern Munich (2002-06) and Chelsea.

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