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No place for Ballack in Chelsea squad

Written by Ramaz Mitaishvili
Monday, 03 September 2007
Germany captain Michael Ballack, who has not played for Chelsea FC since April because of an ankle injury, has been left out of the English side's squad for the UEFA Champions League group stage. 'Not included' The 30-year-old midfielder is still recovering from surgery and will not be fit in time for the start of the competition in two weeks. However, if Ballack does recover fitness over the next four months he could be registered for the later stages of the competition should Chelsea progress. "We can confirm Michael Ballack has not been included on the list for the group phase," the club said on Monday. Recovery hope "Unfortunately Michael's current injury meant, at the time of the squad submission deadline, we could not guarantee his availability for the majority of the group phase games. Naturally, we hope Michael's recovery is as quick as possible." Chelsea have been drawn with Valencia CF, FC Schalke 04 and Rosenborg BK in UEFA Champions League Group B. They start their campaign against the Norwegian club at Stamford Bridge on 18 September. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/news/kind=1/newsid=580244.html !
Last Updated ( Monday, 03 September 2007 )