Ballack fit to face Valencia

Michael Ballack will be available for Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League clash with Valencia despite suffering a broken nose.

The influential midfielder will wear a mask to protect his face from the injury he sustained in Leverkusen’s 1-0 win over Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Friday.

Ballack said he was comfortable with the mask and believed the risk would be too high to go into the match without it.

“It’s a bit constricting, obviously the feeling without a mask is different. But it’s perfectly made. That’s why I felt fine yesterday during training,” Ballack said.

“The risk is too high and my doctor won’t allow (me to play without it).”

Leverkusen sit second in Group E, a point behind leaders Chelsea and four points ahead of third-placed Valencia.