Michael Ballack and Joe Cole will start for Chelsea in their Champions League Group A match against Werder Bremen on Wednesday, Jose Mourinho said.

German international Ballack steps in for the suspended Frank Lampard while Cole gets a chance to kick-start his season in place of Arjen Robben.

"Joe (Cole) is a victim of the injury he had," Mourinho said on Tuesday. "He couldn't train for two months." "Now he is a victim of Chelsea's performances and results."

Cole has only started two matches for the Blues this season, a Carling Cup match against Blackburn and in the league against Sheffield United.

"I gave him a game in the Carling Cup but he was still not at the maximum… Last season he was crucial for our Premiership title and also for our squad," Mourinho continued.

"The opportunity is not to impress me or make me think he's a very good player. I know that. Joe at his maximum level is a very important player for us."

Ricardo Carvalho came off injured at half-time during the 1-0 win over West Ham at the weekend and is left behind and replaced by Khalid Boulahrouz.

Chelsea only need one point to qualify from Group A.

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