Ballack targets December return

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack hopes to be back in action next month as he looks to complete his recovery from a long-term ankle injury.

The 31-year-old has not played a competitive game for club or country this season due to the injury, but he has resumed training and is now optimistic of finally returning for the first time since April 22nd.

"I am making excellent progress," Ballack told Germany's state television channels ARD and ZDF. "I started training again last week and December is looking like a good time (for a return)."

The Germany captain is due to train tomorrow as he works towards his comeback, although he is not going to predict exactly when he expects to return.

"I am just going to see how it goes from week to week, but won't set a date for when I would like to play again," he said.

Ballacks teammate Miroslav Klose has warned Wales that he intends to increase his international goal tally when the teams meet on Wednesday night.

After netting his 36th goal for Germany in Saturday's 4-0 win over Cyprus, the Bayern Munich striker believes he will get plenty of chances against the Welsh in Frankfurt.

"We will do against Wales precisely what we did against Cyprus and I see Wales as a bit weaker than Cyprus," he said. "Therefore, I do think that the fans will see the odd goal and I am already looking forward to the atmosphere in the stadium."

Klose scored twice against Wales in Cardiff in September and Wednesday represents their final opportunity to displace the Czech Republic at the top of Group D.