Chelsea Football Club News

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

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

More surgery for Ballack

03 Jul 2007 - 08:20:54

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack could be fit enough to feature in the club's pre-season tour of the USA despite being forced to have more surgery on his troublesome ankle.

The Germany international was forced to have an initial operation on the injury at the start of May, but could still play in the Blues' first game of their tour on July 14 against Club America at the Stanford Stadium.

A brief statement on the club's official website said: "Michael Ballack will have an operation in Germany on Tuesday on his ankle.

"The operation is related only to a complication in the healing of the wound from previous surgery in May."

The 30-year-old midfielder has not played since suffering the injury against Newcastle United on April 22 and missed the FA Cup Final success against Manchester United.

In his first season at Stamford Bridge, Ballack scored seven goals in 46 appearances for Jose Mourinho's side.

After playing Club America, Chelsea play Bluewings on July 17 and LA Galaxy four days later.