BERLIN, June 25 - Germany captain Michael Ballack did not take part in fitness training due to a small problem with his foot on Sunday, the day after his side's 2-0 World Cup second round win over Sweden, team manager Oliver Bierhoff said.

Bierhoff gave no details about the problem but he did not suggest the influential midfielder's participation in Friday's quarter-final against Argentina was in any doubt.

"Michael Ballack missed regeneration training this morning because he has a small problem with his foot," Bierhoff told reporters. "It's now being examined and treated. But apart from that, we're happy to have all the players fit."