Chelsea Hit By Ballack Injury.

The Premiership champions have lost Wayne Bridge and Ashley Cole in recent weeks and now have doubts over John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack following the international break.

Ballack suffered a strain towards the end of the first half and did not return after the break and the skipper admitted he didn't know how serious it was when questioned after the match.

"It is definitely a strain but I hope it's not serious," Ballack told PA Sport.

"We have to wait and see in the next few days how the pain is. I hope it does not get worse."

Some may see the loss as a blessing for Chelsea as Ballack has been seen as a factor in their problems this season, but nonetheless seems to be a certain starter for Jose Mourinho.