BERLIN: Former captain Michael Ballack has been left out of Germany`s squad for their Euro 2012 qualifiers next month, coach Joachim Loew said on Friday.

Ballack suffered an ankle injury in last season`s FA Cup final while playing for his former club Chelsea. He was forced to miss the World Cup in South Africa, before the midfielder returned to the Bundesliga and Bayer Leverkusen.

"We had a good and truthful discussion," Loew said after talking to Ballack on the phone.

"Michael is on a good road back after three months out with his injury and everyone is satisfied with his recovery. It is important now for him to find his top form with Leverkusen."

Ballack, who has won 98 caps, played the full 90 minutes in Leverkusen`s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga opener last week.

Germany play Belgium in Brussels on September 3 and host Azerbaijan in Cologne four days later.

BDST: 1604HRS, August 27, 2010