Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

No quick return for Ballack

04 Sep 2007 - 07:43:26

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been left out of Jose Mourinho's squad for the Blues' forthcoming Champions League group games as the Germany international continues his recovery from surgery.

The 31-year-old had an ankle operation in the summer and is unlikely to return to action until the end of next month.

A statement on the club's official website read: "We hope Michael's recovery is as quick as possible.

"We hope he returns to full training soon so that he will then be available for the competition's latter stages."

Chelsea have been drawn with Valencia, Schalke and Rosenborg in Group B of this season's Champions League.