BALLACK: Writhing in agony

MICHAEL BALLACK last night admitted he fears he could miss the World Cup for Germany this summer.

Ballack limped off during the first half of Chelsea's 1-0 win over Portsmouth after a clattering challenge by Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Ballack left Wembley last night with a plastic cast on his right leg.

And on Sunday he will have to undergo a scan to assess the full extent of the damage.

Ballack said: "I can't say how bad the injury is at the moment until I've had the scan but I just hope it doesn't mean that I will miss the World Cup Finals.

"As it stands there is time on my side and hopefully the injury is not too bad but I just don't know quite what is wrong with it."

The Germany international was clearly seething at the manner of Boateng's challenge - the Pompey player only getting a yellow card when it might have been red.

Ballack said: "In that situation you have to accept things if the player goes for the ball but I didn't think that was the case. I think we went for the leg.

"It should be up to the referee to protect players in that situation."

Ballack then admitted it could be his last game for Chelsea.

His contract expires this summer and there has been little movement by Chelsea to offer him a new deal.

It is understood that Ballack could join German club Schalke, who have already declared their interest.

Ballack added: "Will I still be at Chelsea next season? I don't know. We'll have to see. I'll have to speak to Chelsea about that."