Ballack starts training at Bayer Leverkusen

German midfielder Michael Ballack, who missed the World Cup because of an ankle injury, began training with his new teammates at Bayer Leverkusen, the German first division side announced on Wednesday.

The former Chelsea player, who joined the German club during the summer, took part in a 25-minute endurance race on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old, who injured his ankle in his last appearance for Chelsea in the English FA Cup final in May, said there had been no adverse reaction to the training.

“I am satisfied. There hasn’t been a problem with the foot,” he said before continuing with the session.

Coach Jupp Heynckes told the daily Bild that Ballack was putting in “more than six hours work every day”.

Ballack’s determination to return to full fitness has been driven in part by his desire to reclaim the captaincy of the German national team. Philipp Lahm, the man who covered for him in the World Cup, has said he wants to hang on to the captain’s armband.

Germany coach Joachim Loew, who signed a new contract with the German federation this week taking him up to the 2012 European championships, suggested on Tuesday that he would not make up his mind until Germany’s next game on August 11.

“I am going to discuss the matter with both of them. That will be just before the friendly match against Denmark,” he said.