The Chelsea future of Michael Ballack has been thrown into doubt after the German wasn't registered for the Champions League this season.

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 cup tied should the club change their mind in January, says the Daily Mail.