Ballack doubt for Blues trip
20 Aug 2008 - 08:48:31
Chelsea could be without Michael Ballack for Sunday's Premier League trip to Wigan Athletic as the midfielder is struggling with a foot injury.
Ballack, 31, has already confirmed he will play no part in Germany's friendly against Belgium on Wednesday evening.
The international captain was replaced before half-time in the Blues' season-opening 4-0 rout of Portsmouth last weekend after picking up the problem.
"Michael Ballack picked up an injury to his left foot in the game on Sunday," read a club statement.
"He will not train until Friday after which another evaluation will be made."
Ballack is no stranger to injury lay-offs, having missed the first four months of the last campaign with a knee problem.
Should he fail to make the trip to the JJB Stadium then Florent Malouda or Shaun Wright-Phillips are likely to come into the midfield reckoning.