Ballack blow for Leverkusen ahead of Barcelona clash

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack has been deprived of a possible start in tonight’s Champions League tie with Barcelona due to an injury picked up in training.

The former Germany captain has sat on the bench for Leverkusen’s last three Bundesliga matches, but the 35-year-old was expected to be called upon due to his vast European experience tonight.

Instead, he faces even more time on the sidelines, depriving Leverkusen of an influential figure at the Bay Arena where their chances are already regarded as being low.