Germany will be without captain Michael Ballack for the World Cup third place play-off against Portugal.

The 29-year-old has been struggling with a knee problem throughout much of the tournament and has been advised to miss the game in Stuttgart.

A statement on the German Football Federation's website read: "The doctors strongly advise against him playing."

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann will definitely be without injured defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich, with Marcell Jansen and Robert Huth set to take their places.

Bayern Munich's Oliver Kahn is set to start in goal in place of Jens Lehmann, having been forced to watch from the bench throughout the tournament to date.

Midfielder Tim Borowski is also a doubt due to a foot injury.