Ballack’s return to boost Blues

MICHAEL BALLACK is set to return to action for Chelsea against old rivals Manchester United in the English season’s curtain-raiser in the Community Shield on Sunday.

The Germany captain has given Chelsea a major boost after returning to training and was due to test his fitness further in a closed-door friendly with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday afternoon.

Ballack had to return to London a few days into the club’s pre-season tour to America last month because of a fractured toe. He missed Chelsea’s last four friendly games but has made a swift recovery.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Ballack is on course to start the Premier League campaign against Hull on August 15, but could also face United on Sunday.

“For the next match against United he will be ready,” said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has already identified his starting line-up for the traditional Premier League curtain-raiser against Alex Ferguson’s side.

Chelsea have gone five games unbeaten in pre-season so far and Ancelotti added: “I have more or less the team that will play in my mind. We have this week before the game and I want to control the physical condition of all my players. We have to improve a little over the next week but I’m happy with the condition of the team.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to end their interest in Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery. The French international, who is set to miss the start of the Bundesliga season on Saturday due to a minor knee injury, has been valued at €100 million by the German club and Chelsea are reluctant to meet their demands.

Striker Franco di Santo, 20, joined Blackburn on loan until January on Monday in order to provide him with valuable first-team experience before returning to Stamford Bridge ahead of the African Nations’ Cup.

Chelsea will lose Ivory Coast strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for around six weeks and Di Santo will be required to compensate for their absence.