Ballack injury blow for Scolari's men
Michael Ballack joins midfielders Joe Cole, Deco, and Michael Essien on the injury list
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Friday, 17, Oct 2008 10:37
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is out for three weeks after having surgery on both feet.
The 32-year-old went under the knife to remove thickened nerve tissue after suffering pain in Germany's 1-0 over Wales on Wednesday.
It is Ballack's second spell on the sidelines this season after he suffered a bruised foot on the opening day against Portsmouth.
The midfielder is expected to miss both of Chelsea's Champions League group games against Roma and the league clash with Liverpool next weekend at Stamford Bridge.
The German Football Federation said in a statement: "A scan on Thursday confirmed the presence of neuroma.
"After consultations with his club doctor, manager and coach, it was decided to have immediate surgery."
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted he was not angry with the German FA's decision to let Ballack have surgery.
"Ballack is out for maybe two or three weeks. I am not angry - I am happy because what happened is a test for me that I am a good coach."
Ballack has failed to score in eight games for the Blues this season.