Ballack unhappy at snub

Midfielder disappointed at omission from 23-man squad

By James Dall   Last updated: 9th September 2007

Michael Ballack Chelsea

Ballack: Future in doubt

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Michael Ballack has expressed his disappointment at his omission from Chelsea's squad list for the UEFA Champions League.

The Germany captain is recovering from ankle surgery and has been excluded from the Blues' 23-man party for the group stages of the competition.

Chelsea have said they took the decision because they could not guarantee the midfielder's fitness for the majority of their games, implying he may not be fit until the end of October at least.

Germany coach Joachim Low had blasted Chelsea's decision to leave out Ballack, claiming the player was in the dark as to why he was not included in the squad.

Speculation

The news has fuelled speculation that Ballack could be on his way out of Chelsea, with German legend Franz Beckenbauer claiming the player made a mistake when deciding to join the West London outfit in the summer of 2006.

The 30-year-old has done little to dampen the rumours, explaining that once he returns to full fitness he plans to review his situation.

"I am disappointed. But I have to accept it and focus on getting healthy again. Then I can make up my mind about other things," he told www.dfb.de.

Uncertain

Ballack also revealed that currently he is unable to provide a date for his return.

"It has got better - but it is not like I could play again or train with the team. I can't give a prognosis."