Ballack not certain to face Chelsea

Bayer Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt was happy with Michael Ballack’s performance against Augsburg in the Bundesliga last night, but claims it does not guarantee him a place in his starting line-up against Chelsea on Tuesday.

Ballack was restored to the starting 11 after sitting on the bench for Leverkusen’s last two league games, playing together with captain Simon Rolfes despite Dutt saying before the season that both would not be seen on the pitch together.

The veteran’s appearance in his side’s 4-1 win, which took them to the top of the Bundesliga, showed that the pair can indeed co-exist, but Dutt was coy on whether the former Germany captain would face his former club at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

“I was very happy with Michael Ballack and he was particularly active last night,” he said.

“But I still don’t know whether he will play on Tuesday in Chelsea.

“Many players will be fit for Tuesday and I am not going to reveal my team now anyway.

“The Chelsea game is going to be totally different to this one.”

Augsburg coach Jos Luhukay, who is still waiting for his side’s maiden Bundesliga victory, conceded his side is still a league below opponents like Leverkusen.

“Leverkusen are just too far ahead of us,” he admitted. “It is a difficult process and a rocky road.”