KENYON MAKES BALLACK STATEMENT

Chief executive Peter Kenyon has dismissed further inaccurate reports surrounding Michael Ballack's future at the club.

Kenyon, speaking at the launch of Chelsea's link with Etihad Airways, said: 'Throughout the week there's been several huge misinterpretations going on with regards to Michael Ballack. His situation is very clear, in that he's injured.

'He's been injured close now to five months and he's still injured. Our only concern as Chelsea Football Club in its entirety is getting Michael back fit to start playing initially for Chelsea Football Club and then for the German national team. That's our objectives.

'It was unclear and is still unclear when he will be available to return to play football, and we as a football club, which is medical team and football club in general took a decision with regards to his inclusion in the Champions League squad, and it was all medically based.

'Since the start of Michael Ballack's injury there has been close cooperation and dialogue between our medical team, which we've got two hundred per cent faith in, and a whole array of specialists from around the world in order to get him back fit and playing football. There is no misinterpretation, there is no different diagnosis, and there is again 100 per cent agreement on his rehab situation and Michael is fully aware.

'The decision to leave Michael out of the squad is based purely medically, so any suggestion that it is surrounding a transfer in January is equal rubbish, and I think that is something that isn't helpful to the player, not helpful to the club and we should just concentrate on the facts of the case.

'Any issues there may have been this week, with sponsors or commercial partners is absolute rubbish. I have spoken to all parties concerned and as of today we all know where we're going, we all know what the objectives are and we'd like to draw a line under this situation once and for all.'