Michael Ballack is
unlikely to play again this season after undergoing ankle surgery
in his native Germany.
Chelsea are at the crunch stage of the season, but manager Jose
Mourinho is set to be without Ballack for their remaining matches
after he picked up an ankle injury against Newcastle.
Ballack limped off at St James' Park following a crunching tackle
from Titus Bramble and, after being assessed by Chelsea's medical
team, was sent to see surgeon Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt in
Germany.
The club have not divulged any details on the extent of Ballack's
injury, but he is likely to miss out as Chelsea look to add the
UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Premiership to their Carling Cup
success.
The midfield powerhouse has endured a mixed first season with
Chelsea, as he has struggled to adapt to the different demands of
the Premiership, but his absence will be keenly felt at Stamford
Bridge.
Mourinho saw key defender Ricardo Carvalho pick up a knee injury on
Saturday which has ruled him out of the second leg of their
Champions League semi-final with Liverpool and the Portuguese will
have to shuffle his pack at Anfield.
