Blues' prolific defender John Terry and goalkeeper Petr Cech make miraculous return to fitness on eve of tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid
John Terry (second from left) participates in a training session. Pic/Getty Images.
London: Petr Cech, John Terry, Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o boosted Chelsea on Tuesday by returning to training ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
John Terry (second from left) participates in a training session. Pic/Getty Images.
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho ruled goalkeeper Cech out for the rest of the season after he dislocated his shoulder in last week’s away leg, which finished 0-0.
Schwarzer to start
Mark Schwarzer came on for Cech in Madrid and also deputised for him in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Liverpool, but the Czech international could be in line for a return after taking part in an open training session yesterday.
Cech warmed up with the rest of the squad at Chelsea’s training ground, before moving out of view of the media invited to observe the first 15 minutes of the session.
Captain and centre-back Terry (ankle) was also present, despite Mourinho having suggested he would not be fit before the final on May 24 after hurting himself in the first leg. In further good news for Chelsea, winger Hazard (calf) and striker Eto’o (knee) also reported for training after recent spells on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta believes that Sunday’s EPL win over Liverpool was ideal preparation for today’s assignment.
“This victory has given us a lot of confidence to go into the match with Atletico,” the Spaniard said. “We had a lot of difficulties (before the game at Liverpool). We had players missing and have the match of our lives to come on Wednesday. But we played well and showed how strong our squad is. It’s an achievement from everyone. After the Atletico game, we’ll see about the title. We have two more games in the league, but all our attention is on today.”
14: Number of matches Atletico Madrid have won on the trot ahead of tonight's clash
0: Number of times Atletico have reached the final
Live tonight: Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid: Ten Action, Ten Sports & Ten HD, 00:05
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