Michael Ballack's white Ferrari has been nicknamed 'The Ambulance' by his team-mates because of the amount of time the German has spent injured during his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Eight months have passed since Ballack limped off the field after just 18 minutes at St James' Park following a collision with Titus Bramble and into that extraordinary row with Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who confirmed Ballack's return to the squad yesterday, said: "I've met a few players in my life who don't want to play but when you're injured you're desperate to come back.
"Ballack has improved physically in the last six weeks. He's a good player, he knows how to score and he knows how to make assists. These are the kind of players I like.
"He can play in many positions and with other good players such as Frank Lampard."
