Bayer Leverkusen's Michael Ballack Sidelined With Knee Injury

A club statement has revealed Bayer Leverkusen's Michael Ballack will be sidelined with a left knee injury.
A Bayer Leverkusen statement has revealed star midfielder Michael Ballack will be out of action for several days with a knee injury.

Ballack was left on the bench in his side's 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, despite being told to warm up for approximately 40 minutes.

The 34-year-old has aggravated an old left knee injury, and should recommence training during the middle of the week.

"Whether he will be able to be back on Tuesday when the team does their first training sessions of the week depends on the process of the treatment," the statement said.

Coach Jupp Heynckes had previously stated he did not use the German international because he wanted to slowly re-introduce the player into the team.

Ballack had only returned to action in late January after being on the sidelines with a shinbone injury. He had previously missed the 2010 World Cup with an ankle injury he suffered during the FA Cup final playing for Chelsea against Portsmouth.

Leverkusen currently sit in second position on 42 points, three points clear of Bayern Munich, but 10 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.