Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack has been left off the list of Chelsea players eligible for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

The Chelsea squad for their Champions League Group B games had to be submitted on Friday and the medical staff at Stamford Bridge were unable to say if the 31 year-old would be match fit for any of the group matches.

Ballack Available For UEFA Champions League Knockout Stages

When the group stage is complete on the 11th December, Chelsea will be able include Ballack for any knockout fixtures for the rest of the tournament.

Ballack Should Return From Injury In November

Ballack should be returning to work in domestic competitions for the beginning of November. However he wont be available for European duties until the Champions League resumes in February 2008.