Ex-Chelsea star Michael Ballack is all set to start for Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League match against Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv.

"The game against Kharkiv is a good chance for Michael Ballack to get some match fitness back," Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voeller told daily newspaper Bild.

Michael Ballack, 34, has had a wretched season so far with injury as he tries to win back his place in the Germany team and the Round of 32, second-leg match, is a good chance for him to play 90 minutes, said Voeller.

Ballack is hoping to be included when Germany face Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier at home on March 26, then Australia in a friendly match three days later.

Having damaged ligaments in his right ankle in May last season, Ballack missed the World Cup in South Africa, then fractured his left tibia just below the knee in September on only this third game back from injury for Leverkusen.