"Michael Ballack has not been able to train the past two days," Loew told a press conference on Saturday.

"On Friday, he had a problem with his right calf, the muscle has hardened and today he couldn’t possibly train so we’ll have to see how it develops overnight."

Ballack's absence would be a major blow to Germany's hopes of winning a record-breaking fourth European Cup.

The Chelsea playmaker, who scored two goals in the tournament, put in some impressive displays during Germany's road to the final.

Ballack wasn't at his best in Germany's hard-fought 3-2 semi-final victory over Turkey, but he remains an influential member of Loew's squad.

"Despite everything I’m hoping he will play. He’s the team captain and an extremely important player but if he can’t play, someone will replace him," Loew added.