Graphic: Will they miss the Stamford Bridge crocks?

With his players seemingly dropping like flies, José Mourinho could do with every man he can lay his hands on, so the manager will have been relieved yesterday to hear Michael Ballack commit his future to Chelsea. The Germany midfield player has attracted strong interest from Real Madrid, with Spanish sources making the outlandish claim over the weekend that he had agreed to accept a pay cut to move to the Bernabéu, although Ballack insists that he wants to stay.

Ballack is recovering from the ankle operation that brought a premature end to a disappointing first season at Chelsea, but he is determined to prove himself to his critics. The 30-year-old sought reassurances from Mourinho and Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, that he was wanted by the Chelsea hierarchy over the weekend and with his confidence restored yesterday, decided to go public.

“I am totally committed to Chelsea,” Ballack said. “I came here to win trophies, to be successful in English football and I want to assure the Chelsea fans of that. I am very happy in London professionally, and for my family. The speculation about me leaving is not true. I have had no contact with Real Madrid whatsoever. I am frustrated by my injury, but I am working hard to be fit and hope to be back very soon to join my teammates.”

Ballack’s words will come as a serious blow to Real, who identified him as their main summer transfer target after missing out on Kaká, the AC Milan and Brazil midfield player, and even claimed that a five-year deal was in place. The Spanish club’s attempt to unsettle Ballack has served only to antagonise Chelsea, with whom they are still negotiating over the transfer of Arjen Robben. The Holland winger’s move is likely to go through before the end of the month, but Chelsea are determined to hold out for a fee of £25 million.

Ballack will be of little use to Mourinho in the short term, with his ankle problem showing few signs of improvement. The Portuguese has 13 first-team players receiving treatment for a variety of ailments, although at least five of them should be fit to play in the club’s Barclays Premier League opener at home to Birmingham City on Sunday.

With Didier Drogba hoping to return to face Reading a week tomorrow, John Terry will be Mourinho’s biggest loss, particularly because Alex will not be considered fit enough for action for at least a fortnight. Chelsea dropped nine points during their captain’s eight-match absence last winter, but Frank Lampard, his replacement as captain, says that they are better equipped to cope without him this time.

“There are quite a few people in the treatment-room, which is not ideal, but we are calling on a bit of character early and have got a very strong group,” Lampard said. “Hopefully we will not miss John that much until he can be fit. Hopefully that will not be too long because it is quite a small injury in terms of his knee. The strength John has got in himself, I am sure he will be back out there in a couple of weeks.

“We have got more cover for John now than last season and I think [Tal] Ben Haim did very well [in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United on Sunday]. I enjoyed captaining the side when John has been away and try to influence them as much as I can.”

Lampard believes that Chelsea must make a good start if they are to regain the title. “You cannot afford to sleep,” he said. “This year is going to be more competitive than ever and the big four are there ready for a good start.

“Liverpool have spent a lot of money and are going to be raring to go, Arsenal are looking sharp in preseason, as are we and Man United. You cannot afford to fall behind in the start, it is a simple as that.”