Loew expects Ballack to return in October

BERLIN, Sept 4 (Reuters) Germany coach Joachim Loew expects Michael Ballack to return from injury for Euro 2008 qualifiers in October against Ireland and Czech Republic, even though he was omitted from Chelsea's Champions League group stage squad.

Loew, speaking to reporters in Cologne ahead of Germany's match on Saturday in Wales, said German captain Ballack had recovered from an ankle injury suffered in April and two operations.

''The injury has healed and it's getting better by the day,'' Loew said late yesterday, adding he expected Ballack back in October.

Ballack has not played for Chelsea since April because of the injury and yesterday was left out of the squad for the Champions League group stages. The 30-year-old will not be fit in time for the start of the competition in two weeks.

However, if Ballack does recover fitness over the next four months he would be eligible for the latter stages of the competition should Chelsea qualify.

''We can confirm Michael Ballack has not been included on the list for the group phase,'' the club said on their Web site REUTERS TB PM1655