Blues wait on Ballack

Chelsea will wait for a full medical assessment on Michael Ballack's ankle operation before deciding whether to include him in their squad for a tour of America next week.

Ballack injured his ankle against Newcastle last season and underwent surgery in May but he is to have a further operation to clear up a complication with healing of the wound.

A spokesman for Chelsea confirmed: "Michael Ballack will have an operation in Germany on his ankle. The operation is related only to a complication in the healing of the wound from previous surgery in May."

Chelsea are due to take part in an open training session at UCLA next Tuesday before taking on Club America at the Stanford Stadium on July 14.

The Blues play Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham's new side, in the World Series of Football which also includes Suwon Bluewings. Chelsea play Bluewings on July 17, and LA Galaxy four days later.