Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is targeting a December comeback as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The 31-year-old has not played a competitive game for club or country this season due to the injury, but he has resumed training and is now optimistic of finally returning for the first time since April 22.

"I am making excellent progress," Ballack told Germany's state television channels ARD and ZDF.

"I started training again last week and December is looking like a good time (for a return)."

The Germany captain is due to train tomorrow as he works towards his comeback, although he is not going to predict exactly when he expects to return.

He said: "I am just going to see how it goes from week to week, but won't set a date for when I would like to play again."