Low to question Chelsea

Low: Puzzled

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Germany boss Joachim Low will be in touch with Chelsea next week to ask them why Michael Ballack has been left out of their UEFA Champions League squad.

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 Ballack's fitness for the majority of their games, implying he may not be fit until the end of October at least.

Confident

Low, however, is confident of having the midfielder back for Germany's European Championship qualifiers next month and is bemused at Chelsea's evident lack of confidence in Ballack's fitness.

"For us, Chelsea's decision is unfounded," said Low.

"After the internationals, I will call Chelsea because it would certainly be interesting to find out why Jose Mourinho has made such a decision.

"At the moment, nobody can quite understand it."

Low also said that the player himself is finding the situation puzzling.

He added: "Michael cannot quite explain for himself why Chelsea have not nominated him for the Champions League."

Low has also been backed by former boss Rudi Voller.

Speaking on www.feelfootball.com, Voller said: "Michael Ballack always has the ability to present danger in front of goal even when his performance is average.

"He is always capable of scoring the decisive goal. This is what we were missing in the World Cup final in 2002. Many players were scared of him and he could always sneak into the box and score a goal. Michael Ballack has scoring goals in his blood - that is why Chelsea bought him."

Speculation

Ballack's omission from the side has prompted rumours that he will leave Stamford Bridge when the transfer window re-opens in January, although Chelsea have denied such reports.