These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Ballack okay after health scare

The Daily Mail reports Michael Ballack is recovering well after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour during the coronavirus lockdown period.

Citing a report by German publication Bild, the paper said the former Chelsea midfielder underwent a procedure after the tumour was discovered near his spinal cord during an MRI examination.

‘The early detection proved fortunate for the 43-year-old, and the tumour was removed,’ adds the report.

‘Laboratory examinations then cleared Ballack of any fears that the growth was cancerous, with results showing it was benign.

‘He has been recovering in Portugal five weeks on from the operation and taking in the final stages of the Champions League.’

Saha backs Giroud to shine again

According to Goal.com, former France international striker Louis Saha believes Olivier Giroud will continue to thrive as a striker at Chelsea despite the summer arrival of Timo Werner.

Giroud was in sparkling form for the Blues after football restarted in June following the coronavirus lockdown, scoring seven goals to help the club secure fourth place in the Premier League and a spot in the FA Cup final.

While he faces strong competition from the newly arrived Werner for a place on the forward line in the upcoming season, Saha feels the 33-year-old will rise to the challenge once again.

‘Olivier Giroud is a very tough cookie and he will not worry too much about the arrival of Timo Werner at Chelsea,’ said Saha on the Football Index Podcast.

‘Giroud wants to score and he wants to help his teammates. He is a competitor and wherever he is, he will always perform.

‘Giroud is very motivated and I’m sure that next year we will hear about him again.’

Gullit interested in Dutch national job

Former Chelsea player-manager Ruud Gullit has said he would gladly take on the job of managing the Netherlands national team if it was offered to him, the Daily Star reports.

The Dutch legend has mainly been working in the media since his departure from his last full-time position at Russian side Terek Grozny in 2011.

‘If the national team comes and they ask you, of course [I would take it],’ said Gullit.

‘It is an honourable job and I think every Dutchman who gets an offer like that would consider it.’

The candidates to succeed Koeman as Netherlands manager include Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, former Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer and ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.