Euro2008 Final Preview ~ Spain v Germany

Germany captain Michael Ballack is a doubt for Sunday's Euro 2008 final after missing training on Friday and Saturday because of a calf injury. The German Football Federation said the 31-year-old, who has scored two goals in the tournament, is having treatment. Chelsea midfielder Ballack suffered the injury in training on Friday and will be desperate to play, having missed out on the 2002 World Cup final because of suspension. With the ex-Bayern Munich star not certain to start, Germany coach Joachim Low must now reconsider his options. He may be forced to recall midfielder Torsten Frings, who has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib, rather than having the luxury of keeping him on the bench. Simon Rolfes, who suffered a cut eye in the semi-final against Turkey and would have made way for Frings, could now be retained in the starting line-up - though Low may instigate a greater reshuffle based upon tactics if talisman Ballack is missing.

Spain will have to alter their line-up with striker David Villa ruled out with a thigh injury. That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker. It was with that side and formation that Spain strolled past Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final and coach Luis Aragones has hinted Fabregas, who set up two of the goals, could start. "I know how well he can perform," Aragones said. "I like a player like Cesc, 20-years-old and someone who has acquired the experience of someone who's 27, 28.