Double boost for Chelsea

Rafael Benitez will have defenders Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill available for Chelsea's Europa League semi-final first leg in Basel on Thursday.

Cole has recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered in the FA Cup quarter-final replay win against Manchester United earlier this month, while Cahill has been passed fit following a minor knee operation on 30 March.

But it remains to be seen whether or not Benitez will deploy the pair from the start at St Jakob-Park or ease them back to action, with Sunday's visit of Swansea - and the gruelling chase for the Champions League - also on his mind.

Oscar came off during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool with a groin problem but was among the 19-strong party that left London for Switzerland on Wednesday morning, as was bite-gate victim, Branislav Ivanovic.

Long-term injury victim Oriol Romeu (knee) is a definite absentee, while Demba Ba is cup-tied.

Basel conquered Tottenham after a penalty shootout in the previous round and are bidding to becomethe first Swiss steam to reach the final of a major UEFA club tournment.

Murat Yakin's side are unbeaten in six home matches during the tournament but there are doubts over he fitness of midfielder David Degen and defender Aleksandar Dragovic.

Benitez has no need to worry about legendary striker Alexander Frei, who played his last game for the club earlier this month, but Marco Streller has equalled Fernando Torres's four goals in the competition and is one to watch.
-->

Cahill ruled out of San Marino

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England's FIFA World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Friday due to injury.

style="border-radius: 25px 25px 25px 25px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);"width="320" />

Cahill hurt his knee in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, but although he is set to miss Friday's game, he will be reassessed ahead of the important encounter with Montenegro next week.



Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor has been called up to take Cahill's place. Cahill's withdrawal gives England manager Roy Hodgson further problems in central defence.



Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson and Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand have already pulled out of the squad, with Manchester City's Joleon Lescott and Steven Caulker of Spurs drafted in as replacements.



Everton's Phil Jagielka is also unavailable due to injury.