Ballack could miss Chelsea FA Cup final and play for Germany

[the wes 7,212]

Michael Ballack could spark a club-versus-country row as German national coach Joachim Low says that he expects Ballack to take part in Germany's Far East tour later this month, reports The Guardian.

The German midfielder is set to feature for Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May, but Germany travel to China on 26 May to play the national side in Shanghai on Friday 29 May.

The Germany then fly to Dubai to play the United Arab Emirates on 2 June and Low says he wants his captain to be on the trip.

"Michael Ballack is our leader, he can integrate young players, bring them together and give them hints," said Low.

"These are valuable things he can tell the other players.

"However, they must have also the feeling: our captain is with us for these difficult situations.

"We decided this trip last year and it was agreed with both the Bundesliga and the German Football League, because the Chinese market is important for economic reasons."

[the wes 7,212]

[True_Blue 469]

We have more than capable replacements for him,i think it is even better if he plays for Germany we can always get Mikel in.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

The way Mikel and Essien have performed recently suggest to me he won't be missed.

[diskoviolente 425]

He is missing Germanys trip to Aisa. Already confirmed.

[Blue Feverr 0]

Ballack won't be missed for the final but it would be nice for him to be part of it, hope he can play for us instead.

[Elliott 7]

This trip is in aid of the Bundesliga and lower German leagues, which are currently irrelevant to Michael Ballack. So the German national team can fuck off even though we might only use Ballack on the bench.

[NattyBlue 44]

I'm sure Ballack wants the FA cup as he never does that well in finals!

i think he wants to win the league too which is why he signed the new contract for another season right?

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Will it be a great loss if he does go ?

In all fairness to him he's been absolute pants this year.

[Shane 2,275]

Who pays him his massive wages? Does Germany or any other Bundersliga club? No, We do.

I think if the game goes to penaltys he'd be handy to have.