Michael Ballack was not included in Chelsea's squad list for the Champions League group stages, the club have confirmed.
The Blues submitted their list of players on Friday and could not guarantee the Germany midfielder would feature in the majority of the Group B games as he is recovering from summer ankle surgery.
Jose Mourinho's men play Valencia, Schalke and Rosenborg twice before the group stages finishes on December 11.
The club's stance suggests Ballack may not return to domestic duty before the end of October.
‘Naturally, we hope Michael's recovery is as quick as possible, that he returns to full training ahead of schedule and that he will then be available for the latter stages of the competition, should we qualify,’ read a statement from Chelsea.
The 31-year-old has not played since April and, because he is not registered, he will now not feature in European action until at least February, as long as Chelsea qualify for the first knockout round.
