Ballack's Chelsea future in doubt as Mourinho axes him from Europe squad

The Germany midfielder has been struggling with an ankle injury since last April and the decision to omit him makes no provision for a rapid recovery from the long-standing problem.

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Chelsea sources claimed on Monday night that Ballack, who has had two operations on the damaged left ankle since he was initially diagnosed with the injury, will not return to full training until November at the earliest.

Although the club insist there is nothing sinister behind the move, it is in stark contrast to the treatment of long-term injury victim Wayne Bridge, who is included in the 25.

Bridge has not played a first-team game this year after undergoing surgery in Colorado in July and a provisional date has still not been set for the left back's return.

Although Chelsea insist that they have no interest in selling £130,000-a-week midfielder Ballack, his exclusion means he will not be cuptied should the club change their mind in January.

Ballack, who has not played for Chelsea since their 0-0 draw at Newcastle on April 22, will miss Champions League clashes with Valencia, Schalke and Rosenborg.

If Chelsea qualify for the second round, Mourinho's unexpected decision means Ballack will not be eligible to play in the competition until February.

Andriy Shevchenko, who is fit and still not even close to earning a place in Chelsea's starting line-up, has been included on the list.

Chelsea have fulfilled their UEFA requirements by naming two home-grown players - Sam Hutchinson and Lee Sawyer - but neither is likely to compete for a place in the first team.

A club spokesman said: 'We can confirm that Michael Ballack has not been included on the list for the group phase. Unfortunately, Michael's current injury meant, at the time of the squad submission deadline, we could not guarantee his availability for the majority of the group games.

'Naturally, we hope Michael's recovery is as quick as possible, that he returns to training ahead of schedule and that he will then be available for the latter stages, should we qualify.'