Ballack sidelined by new setback

Ballack suffered a foot problem earlier in the season

Chelsea midfield man Michael Ballack is out for three weeks after having surgery on both feet to remove thickened nerve tissue.

Ballack, 32, suffered pain after Germany's 1-0 win against Wales in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The German Football Federation said in a statement: "A scan Thursday confirmed the presence of neuroma.

"After consultations with his club doctor, manager and coach, it was decided to have immediate surgery."

606: DEBATE Normally our injuries stack up around Christmas but we've started early this year! blueJohnny-Utah

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "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 was sidelined earlier in the season because of a bruised foot he suffered on the first day of the new campaign against Portsmouth.

He had been a doubt for the game against Wales in Monchengladbach with what was said to be a calf injury - but now he is ruled out again after a double bout of surgery.

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News conference: Luiz Felipe Scolari