Michael Ballack will be out until January
Michael Ballack is not expected to return from injury until January 2011. The Bayern Leverkusen midfielder picked up a shin injury against Hannover on 11 September in the Bundesliga.
The 34-year-old has had to use crutches to walk since the incident, but was expected to return to action much sooner. However, the injury now appears to be far more serious than expected.
The results of tests on Tuesday revealed that the German international had damaged and torn ligaments to a far greater extent than first diagnosed.
"This is very saddening. However, I hope that Michael Ballack will return to the team for the second half of the season strengthened by his rehabilitation and specific preparations," said Bayern Leverkusen
coach Jupp Heynckes.
Bayern Leverkusen have made an indifferent start to the Bundesliga. They are in fourth position and have picked up 12 points from seven games. However, they are nine points behind Mainz who are top of
the table.
Ballack has had a run of bad injuries. He was forced to come off in his last game for Chelsea in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth after he picked up a similar injury in a challenge with Kevin Prince
Boateng. The tackle forced Ballack to miss the World Cup in South Africa with Germany.
During the summer Leverkusen captured the German midfielder on a free transfer, but his wage demands may mean that investing in Ballack was not as prudent as the transfer first seemed.
Leverkusen will hope that Ballack can make a full recovery, but the club will be worried that Ballack will be out with injury for nearly six months in total come January.
The player’s age may well prove to be a problem as will his desire to return and Leverkusen fans will be skeptical as to whether they will ever see the Ballack of old.
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