Joachim Loew, Germany coach, was surprised midfielder Michael Ballack had been omitted from Chelsea's squad for the Uefa Champions League group stage as he expected the injured national captain to be back in October.
"It's quite a surprise that he won't be playing in the Champions League this year," Loew said in Cologne.
"We have to talk with each other on the telephone first because I don't know any more details yet myself."
Loew said he expected Ballack to return from an ankle injury, which required surgery, for Germany's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Ireland and Czech Republic next month.
"The injury has healed and it's getting better by the day," Loew said.
Ballack has not played for Chelsea since April due to the injury and his name was not included in the 26-strong squad for the group stage when it was announced on Monday, with the competition starting in two weeks time.
Chelsea have been drawn in Group B along with with Spain's Valencia, Schalke 04 of Germany and Norwegians Rosenborg Trondheim.
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"Michael is the only one who can tell us what happened. It's stunning when a player of his calibre is not included in the Champions League squad."
Oliver Bierhoff, Germany team manager |
Ballack will be eleigible for the latter stages of the Champions League, should Chelsea qualify, and should the 30-year-old find fitness over the next four months.
Oliver Bierhoff, Germany team manager, said he was shocked after learning of Chelsea's decision in the newspapers on Tuesday.
"Obviously we're concerned," Bierhoff said.
"Michael is the only one who can tell us what happened. It's stunning when a player of his calibre is not included in the Champions League squad.
"We're still hopeful that Michael will be with us in October for the Euro qualifier against Ireland. But the most important thing is that he is 100 per cent fit for the Euros next summer."
Bierhoff said Ballack had told him that his ankle was improving and he would soon be able to return to training with his team when they last met in London on August 22.