Germany captain Michael Ballack has to be ruled out of the World Cup finals in South Africa, as his right ankle was injured last Saturday, the German football federation (DFB) said on Monday.

Ballack's right ankle was injured by a heavy tackle from Kevin-Prince Boateng from Portsmouth in the FA Cup final, which Ballack's Chelsea beat Portsmouth by 1-0 on Saturday.

DFB said a scan on Monday showed that ligaments in his right ankle have been torn and he can not join in the training for at least eight weeks, while Germany's first match in World Cup against Australia is on June 13.

Ballack will wear a special shoe for the next two weeks as his ankle will be put into a cast, DFB said.

With 98 caps and 42 goals, the 33-year old Ballack was regarded as the soul of German team. His absence is a huge lose for German team coach Joachim Loew.

Loew called the tackle was "brutal," and describe Ballack as "our captain and absolute leading player."

The surprising injury of Ballack just before the World Cup caused people to doubt the purpose of Boateng, as he will represent Ghana, which will paly against Germany on June 23.

Ballack has told German television that the foul might have been intentional.

The World Cup finals will start on June 11 in South Africa, while Germany is placed in Group D with Australia, Serbia and Ghana.

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