German FA defend Ballack surgery decision

By Erik Kirschbaum

BERLIN (Reuters) - The German Football Association (DFB) has defended team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt's decision to perform ankle surgery on captain Michael Ballack, saying he risked serious injury without immediate treatment.

"Our team doctor said that an immediate operation was unavoidable and urgently needed," DFB spokesman Harald Stenger said on the DFB website (www.dfb.de).

News media have criticised the timing of the operation that has deprived Chelsea of Ballack in the run-in to the end of the season with the club chasing three more trophies.

"Any training or playing could have led to an aggravation and even endangered Ballack's career," said Stenger.

Media suggested Ballack chose to have the surgery without first consulting Chelsea officials, but Stenger added:

"Dr Mueller-Wohlfahrt said he informed both Chelsea doctors in a telephone conversation and explained to them why an immediate operation was needed."

SECOND OPINION

Ballack injured his ankle against Newcastle United in a Premier League game on April 22 and missed the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at home to Liverpool, which Chelsea won 1-0, and Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers.