Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack underwent surgery on Friday to remove a neuroma - a benign nerve tumour - from both feet. The Germany captain had the operation in Augsburg after complaining of pain in his feet after Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Wales.

National team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt told dfb.de: "Michael Ballack complained after the World Cup qualifier against Wales on Wednesday repeatedly about strong pains in both feet.

"An MRI scan on Thursday confirmed our suspicions of a neuroma, so after speaking with the club doctor, manager and coach at Chelsea we decided to operate immediately on both feet.

"If the recovery goes normally, Michael will probably be able to return to training in two weeks."