England’s injury-hit squad face their biggest game under Steve McClaren this Saturday as they host Israel at Wembley. Click here for the latest betting.

Michael Ballack does not understand Chelsea’s decision to drop him from their Champions League squad for the group stages, according to Germany’s coach Joachim Loewy.

Ballack, 30, is hoping to return to fitness soon following April’s ankle surgery, but having this week been axed from Chelsea’s Champions League squad, Germany’s captain is confused, according to Loew.

“I discussed it with Michael and he could not fully explain Chelsea’s decision to me,” said Loew ahead of Saturday’s Group D Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales.

“Chelsea’s doctors estimate he will not be able to play for two to three more months, but Michael is much more optimistic and expects to play sooner.

“For us, Chelsea’s decision isn’t justifiable,” added Loew who plans to recall Ballack for October’s Euro 2008 internationals with the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland.

This is not the first time Chelsea and the German camp have not seen eye-to-eye this summer.

The Premiership outfit were unhappy when Ballack flew back to Munich in April and, on the advice of German doctors, had an operation after picking up the ankle injury in a Premier League match.

The surgery ruled Ballack out of Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final, plus the FA Cup final, and the English club felt Ballack was putting Germany’s June internationals with San Marino and Slovakia ahead of their schedule.


England’s injury-hit squad face their biggest game under Steve McClaren this Saturday as they host Israel at Wembley. Click here for the latest betting.