Ballack fighting fit ahead of new campaign

MICHAEL BALLACK maintains he will be fighting fit to drive Chelsea on next season.

The 31-year-old midfielder was given some extra time off to recuperate following Germany’s run to the final of the European Championships.

Ballack featured during the 5-0 victory over AC Milan at the Russian Railways Cup in Moscow, and now intends to step up his preparations ahead of the opening game of the new Barclays Premier League season against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge in 10 days’ time.