Michael Ballack to be fit for Chelsea's Community Shield clash with Manchester United
Published 00:00 05/08/09 By
Michael Ballack has given Chelsea a major boost ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester United at Wembley.
The Germany captain has recovered from a broken toe and has proved himself fit enough to return for the traditional Premier League curtain-raiser.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Ballack is on course to start the Premier League campaign against Hull on August 15, but added he could also face United on Sunday.
"For the next match against United he will be ready," said Ancelotti.
Ballack, who had to return to London a few days into the club's pre-season tour to America last month, is back training and tested his fitness further in a closed-doors friendly with Queens Park Rangers yesterday.
The midfielder missed Chelsea's last four friendly games, including the match with Reading at the weekend, but has since joined in with the first team squad's training sessions as normal.
Ancelotti has identified his starting line-up for Sunday's game against Sir Alex Ferguson's champions after five games unbeaten in preseason. Ancelotti added: "I have more or less the team that will play in my mind.
"We have this week before the game and I want to control the physical condition of my players. We have to improve a little but I'm happy with the condition of the team."
