Ballack faces the axe as Grant set to start with three-man midfield for Champions League clash

The German has been inspirational since returning from injury in December but could fall victim to a formation change designed to accommodate both Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

Scroll down for more

Instead of sticking with the line-up that destroyed West Ham 4-0 on Saturday, Grant used an experimental 4-3-1-2 formation in training yesterday with Anelka and Drogba in attack supported by Joe Cole.

The three-man midfield consisted of Michael Essien, Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard.

It is understood Grant also used two other formations during the session — at least one of which included Ballack — but the German was left with the mpression that he was the odd man out.

The tie is delicately poised at 0-0 after the first leg in Athens and, although they are favourites to go through, the absence of an away goal for Chelsea will be of concern to Grant.

The coach was heavily criticised for omitting Ballack from the Carling Cup Final defeat by Tottenham, and repeating the snub for a second successive key match is a major risk.

Grants knows the Germany captain, who has played in the Champions League for 10 consecutive seasons, will be hugely disappointed and likely to feel aggrieved.

Ballack kept his feelings to himself after the Wembley decision but may well consider his future if he continues to miss out on big games when in such good form.

Real Madrid, under German coach Bernd Schuster, have not given up hope of signing him while a return to Bayern Munich is not out of the question following their appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann as manager from next season.

Last summer, when the 31-year-old was out with a persistent ankle injury, Real were keen, but he decided to stay after the Chelsea hierarchy assured the midfielder that he was still very much part of their plans.

The issue surrounding the German highlights a key problem facing Grant now he has a near-full strength squad to chose from.

On succeeding Jose Mourinho in September, the Chelsea manager's selection policy was largely heavily influenced by injuries, suspensions and, latterly, the African Nations' Cup.

In recent weeks, however, more senior players have become available leaving Grant in the tricky position of trying to keep them all happy.

Having failed to find the right blend against Spurs, the pressure has risen on the team to progress in the Champions League.

Grant can recall Didier Drogba against Olympiacos after resting the striker at the weekend.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has sponsored Grant's rise from the Israeli league, is desperate for his club to reach this year's final which is being staged in his home city of Moscow.