Ballack absent from training

Bayer Leverkusen say there is nothing ominous about Michael Ballack's absence from training today but that he had been given permission to take the day off for "private matters". The former Germany captain has been linked with a move away from the club after being left on the bench last weekend and being criticised by the club's general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser. Ballack's absence on transfer deadline day could therefore be interpreted as the prelude to a move away from the club, but a statement on the Bayer Leverkusen website says he is expected back for training on Wednesday "as usual". Coach Robin Dutt said: "Michael has taken a day off for private matters. We discussed this together last week." Holzhauser said on Friday that bringing Ballack to the club 20 months ago had been a mistake. "The time has come when we all have to admit that our plans from 20 months ago have not worked out," he told the Express newspaper. "He has done too little."