FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -Germany captain and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack had surgery Friday to remove thickened nerve tissue from both feet, the German football federation (DFB) said.
It said the short procedure was carried out at a clinic in Augsburg with the approval of his club and that it went "well and without complications."
If there are no complications, Ballack should be able to resume training in two weeks, national team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt said.
Ballack, 32, had a neuroma removed from each foot. A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue most commonly found at the base of the third and fourth toes.
"Michael Ballack complained once again about strong pain in both feet after Wednesday's game against Wales," the federation said in a statement. "A scan Thursday confirmed the presence of neuroma and after consultations with his club doctor, manager and coach, it was decided to have immediate surgery on both feet."
Ballack had been questionable for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Wales in Moenchengladbach after missing two days of practice with what was described as a right-calf injury. He played the whole game, however, with Germany winning 1-0.
