Chelsea Deny Ballack Reports
6th September, 2007
Despite being close to fitness, Michael Ballack has been left out of Chelsea's 25-man UEFA Champions League Squad. This move has left him able to play in the Champions League Knockout stages for any other team involved, should he move in the January transfer window.
Chelsea have hit back with an official statement, saying: "Chelsea Football Club would like to reiterate that Michael Ballack's omission from the UEFA Champions League group phase squad list was taken only because of injury. There is no other reason for the decision and suggestions to the contrary are unfair on both Michael, who is attempting to get fit as soon as possible, and our medical team in whom we have every confidence."
Germany head coach Joachim Low and Franz Beckenbauer have already spoken of their disappointment at the decision.
Chelsea to win Champions League: 8/1 at Totesport
