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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.
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