Ballack back under the knife for more surgery

As usual when there are ugly doings, Bramble is involved.

Germany captain Michael Ballack will undergo more surgery on his problem ankle on Tuesday, his club Chelsea said on Monday.

The 30-year-old midfielder missed Chelsea's victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final and two German Euro 2008 qualifiers in June, following a major operation on the ankle at the beginning of May.

Chelsea said on their Web site (www.chelseafc.com) that the operation would take place in Germany, adding: "The operation is related only to a complication in the healing of the wound from previous surgery in May."

Probably good news for anyone interesting in investing their TH fantasy monies in BFFL come August.