Low hopes for Ballack return

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Ballack was omitted from the Blues' squad list for the group stages of the Champions League as the club claim he would not be fit for the majority of the six matches but the move has raised doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge.

But Low told The Guardian: "We hope that he will return to our team for the Euro qualifier against the Republic of Ireland."

Chelsea's stance suggests he will not return until the end of October at the earliest but Low hopes he will be fit to face the Republic on October 13.

Low added: "(Ballack's) injury is over now, it's becoming better from day to day. It's important that he gets a base physically for the season.

"His coach at Chelsea must decide when he comes back."

The 30-year-old midfielder underwent ankle surgery both at the end of April and the start of July.

He has yet to play this season and his omission from the Champions League squad has led to speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge because he will not be cup-tied should Chelsea decide to sell him in the January transfer window.

His market value would have certainly diminished if the club wishing to buy him were unable to field him in European competition.

However, a statement from Chelsea read: "Naturally, we hope Michael's recovery is as quick as possible, that he returns to full training ahead of schedule and that he will then be available for the latter stages of the competition, should we qualify."