SV Hamburg defender Marcell Jansen has pulled out of the Germany squad for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with a thigh injury, the German football federation (DFB) said Monday.

Jansen suffered a torn muscle fibre in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Energie Cottbus and will be sidelined for two weeks.

The Germany squad will gather in Dusseldorf on Tuesday for training and take part in a four-hour fan festival ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Russia in Dortmund.

Germany, who head Group 4 with four points from two games, then play Wales in Moenchengladbach four days later.

Germany coach Joachim Loew welcomes back from injury captain Michael Ballack, fellow midfielder Torsten Frings and defenders Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich.

While Ballack is guaranteed a place, Loew said only form and fitness will count.

"Against Russia we need players who are functioning at their best. We will be looking closely in training to see who is in good shape at the moment," he told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa on Monday.

Loew said Germany, who drew their last qualifying match 3-3 in Finland, would not be under any extra pressure against Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia.

"We know that only one team qualifies directly for the World Cup finals. But we are always under pressure no matter what the opponent. The Russians have a classy team - it makes it all the more interesting and exciting," he said.

Ballack, 32, who missed the Finland game with a foot injury, returns, a dispute with team manager Oliver Bierhoff now cleared up.

Despite the differences, the Chelsea midfielder told Kicker sports magazine he saw no reason to do things differently.

"I won't be changing my style. After all I was successful at the European Championships and I feel confirmed in the way I have led the team as captain over the years," he said.