Germany defender Christoph Metzelder should be fit to play in Tuesday's World Cup game against Ecuador despite missing training on Sunday as both sides aim to finish top of Group A.

Metzelder injured his right knee in training on Saturday but assistant coach Joachim Loew said: "There will be no problem for Tuesday."

Ecuador head the group after the first two games having beaten Poland 2-0 and Costa Rica 3-0. Germany must win the match in Berlin if they are to finish above the South American side having secured victories over Costa Rica (4-2) and Poland (1-0) in their two encounters.

Loew has hinted that there may be a few changes in the Germany starting line-up, saying: "We don't want to be in the situation where a player has to come in later in the tournament because of injury or suspension and he hasn't had a minute on the field."

Michael Ballack looks certain to start for the three-times World Cup winners despite being booked against Poland.

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez has also hinted that he may make changes for the game following his side's impressive displays in their first two Group A games.

Striker Carlos Tenorio injured his ankle in the comprehensive victory over Costa Rica while captain Ivan Hurtado and forward Agustin Delgado are receiving treatment for minor problems.

Suarez is going into the match in an optimistic frame of mind though, saying: "If we play for a draw, we will lose. I just want to win.

"We see Germany as part of our development. We want to show we can play better football and you do that by beating big teams."

Suarez has been offered a new four-year deal by Ecuador but has hinted that he would like to try his luck in Europe.