+ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7114190.stm

Ballack returns in reserve game

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack returned to action in a reserve game on Monday after seven months out.

The 31-year-old has been out since April after undergoing two operations on his ankle but plans to be ready for first-team in action in December.

After playing the first half against Birmingham's second string at Brentford, he said: "I feel good.
"I'll train next week, then maybe have another reserve game. I'm looking forward to playing in the first team."

Ballack will resume training with the first team when they have returned from the Champions League trip to Rosenborg.

His return was watched by manager Avram Grant, who has not yet been able to select the German international since replacing Jose Mourinho as boss in September.