Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been ruled out for the rest of the season after having an ankle surgery on Friday. The 30 year old German player picked up the injury during last week end match against Newcastle 0-0. He traveled to Germany where he was operated by the Germany's national tram doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt. But that isn't the only blow for coach Jose Mourinho who will have to play against Liverpool at Anfield next Tuesday without defender Ricardo Carvalho. "He has injured his knee and it is a big blow for us. He has been our best defender this season - it is as simple as that,” said the Portuguese tactician. Carvalho, 28, was injured in the first half against Bolton 2-2 on Saturday and also won't be able to play the UEFA Champions League semi-final second away leg. "We lost at Liverpool in the Premiership without him and we go to Anfield again without him. But when we lost in the league we had to play Paulo Ferreira at centre-back. We have better options for centre-back this time."
