Ankle surgery for Ballack
Michael Ballack is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing ankle surgery.
Michael Ballack is unlikely to play again this season after undergoing ankle surgery in his native Germany.Chelsea are at the crunch stage of the season, but manager Jose Mourinho is set to be without Ballack for their remaining matches after he picked up an ankle injury against Newcastle.
Ballack limped off at St James' Park following a crunching tackle from Titus Bramble and, after being assessed by Chelsea's medical team, was sent to see surgeon Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt in Germany.
The club have not divulged any details on the extent of Ballack's injury, but he is likely to miss out as Chelsea look to add the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Premiership to their Carling Cup success.
The midfield powerhouse has endured a mixed first season with Chelsea, as he has struggled to adapt to the different demands of the Premiership, but his absence will be keenly felt at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho saw key defender Ricardo Carvalho pick up a knee injury on Saturday which has ruled him out of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Liverpool and the Portuguese will have to shuffle his pack at Anfield.
