Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is close to full recovery from ankle surgery and back to full training, according to the Germany captain.

 

Ballack, who turned 31 Wednesday, has been struggling after two ankle operations in recent months, but the midfielder is optimistic about his recovery.

 

"It's getting better," Ballack told Chelsea TV. "I keep going with my rehab program. I can train outside and I am quite happy now with the way we work."

 

Ballack has been training in a sandpit to increase his recovery time.

 

"It is very hard for the condition but it is good for the foot so it is part of my program now," Ballack said.

 

"It is much better. I had to wait a long time to be at this level now, so I am happy."

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2007)