“The game against Kharkiv is a good chance for Michael Ballack to get some match fitness back,” Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller told Bild.
Die Werkself are all but through to the Europa League round of 16 after beating Metalist 4-0 in Ukraine. Coach Jupp Heynckes rested a number of regular starters in the first leg, and is expected to grant run-outs to a number of young and fringe players for the return match in Leverkusen. Ballack, however, is likely to start as he looks to gain some much-needed match practice.
Since joining Leverkusen last summer, 34-year-old Ballack has only played the full 90 minutes twice in the Bundesliga. After missing the World Cup with an ankle injury, he sustained a broken tibia in September. He was back in action in January, but in recent weeks has struggled with knee pain.
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Michael Ballack To Start For Bayer Leverkusen Against Metalist