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Ballack set for another snub

Berlin - Ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack looks set to miss out again when the national side is selected on Thursday to face Uruguay on May 29, and for June's Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The 34-year-old has not played for Germany since March 2010 and has struggled to command a regular place in the Bayer Leverkusen team since his return in January after back-to-back injuries last year.

Germany face Uruguay on May 29 in Sinsheim then the Group A leaders take on Austria, on June 3, and Azerbaijan, on June 7, in Vienna and Baku respectively in Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The friendly against the South Americans will be a rematch of the third place play-off at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which the Germans won 3-2.

The qualifiers against Austria and Azerbaijan are expected to be straightforward wins for the Germans with neither side having impressed in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign so far.

Loew will announce his team on Thursday, but while he says he is impressed with ex-Chelsea star Ballack's recent form, he gave no hint about whether the midfielder can expect to wear the white jersey again soon.

"We have often spoken to each other recently," said Loew.

"He's getting better physically and is in good shape. That's what I expected of him.

"He makes a good impression, he exudes authority and calm."

According to rumours in the German media Ballack is set to win his 99th -- and final -- cap against Brazil in a friendly in Stuttgart on August 10, which will double as his farewell.

An ankle injury in May 2010 during the FA Cup final ruled him out of the World Cup, only for him to suffer a knee injury on his third game back on his return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in September.

In his absence, Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm has taken over the captaincy of the national side while Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid's Sami Khedria have formed a strong midfield partnership.

Khedria is expected to be selected despite a healing groin injury, while Leverkusen's Simon Rolfes is expected to be recalled and promising Borussia Moenchengladbach talent Marco Reus, 21, could be called up for the first time.

Having won all five of their Euro 2012 qualifiers, Germany are five points clear at the top of Group A and on course to qualify for the four-week long tournament to be held in Poland and the Ukraine in June 2012.

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