Bayern Munich full-back Lahm was hoping to keep his role, but manager Joachim Loew has eventually decided to give Ballack the nod.

"I have in the past days had a personal discussion with Ballack and I decided that Michael Ballack will continue being the captain of our team," Loew said ahead of Germany's first EURO 2012 qualifier against Belgium on Saturday.

"But I told him that as things stand today I do not see him being able to help the team (after his recent injury)."