Torres back for Basel clash

Fernando Torres is available for Chelsea’s Champions League Group E clash with FC Basel.

The 29 year old Spain international has not featured since the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United earlier this month, but could lead the line for the visitors at St Jakob Park this evening, where a point for the Blues would seal qualification for the knockout stages, and victory would see them progress as group winners.

David Luiz has not travelled with the squad due to a bruised patella, and will be out for a week.

Gary Cahill and club captain John Terry are set to continue in the centre of defence, while Ashley Cole may play despite a niggling rib problem though Cesar Azpilicueta is ready to deputise after impressing on the left recently.

The Swiss Champions ran out 2-1 winners when the sides met in September, though Jose Mourinho’s men have responded well, first with a 4-0 win over Steaua in Bucharest and then back to back 3-0 victories over Schalke.

The group’s other game sees Steaua host Schalke, where victory for the visitors will secure their place in the next round should Chelsea win, while the Romanian champions must win to have any chance of progressing.