Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Ballack eyeing City clash

15 Aug 2006 - 12:10:05

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Chelsea new boy Michael Ballack is optimistic he will be fit enough to make his Premiership debut against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Germany captain lasted just 26 minutes of the Community Shield defeat against Liverpool last weekend before a hip injury forced him to limp off.

He will sit out Germany's friendly against Sweden on Wednesday, but the problem is not as serious as initially feared and he hopes to be able to avoid missing any club games.

Ballack told the Blues' official website: "The injury is a painful bruise and there is some swelling around the hip.

"I have to wait and see what happens in the next few days, but I'm hoping it'll be okay for the Manchester City game on Sunday."

Midfield duo Joe Cole and Claude Makelele will sit out the City match because of injury problems, so a swift return to fitness by Ballack would come as a major boost to the Premiership champions.