Ballack hopes for December return

"I am improving. I resumed training last week, so December makes sense," Ballack said in an interview with German state television networks ARD and ZDF.

 Ballack said he hopes to play for Germany again in the first 2008 match against Euro co-hosts Austria.

 Ballack, 31, suffered an ankle injury on April 22 during Chelsea's Premier League match with Newcastle. He required two operations and has not played since.

 But Ballack also said he will not rush to be back in action: "I have no set a date when I want to return. I am taking it week by week." dpa jb