Chelsea in race to get duo fit for Benfica Champions League night
Published:Chelsea look cracking value at 8/13 to win the second leg of their Champions League quarter final with Benfica, but they may have to do so without the services of David Luiz and Didier Drogba.
A foot injury meant that Drogba missed the Premier League victory at Aston Villa, but the club are not ruling out the striker for the European clash.
Meanwhile, Luiz had to be replaced by Gary Cahill in first-half stoppage time against Villa because of reported ankle ligament issues.
Although the injury must have been considered fairly serious if Roberto Di Matteo thought he could not wait until half time to substitute Luiz, the fact he walked from the field himself must be a positive to his chances of facing Benfica.
With Fernando Torres showing signs of late that he is rediscovering some degree of form, the loss of Drogba may not be such a big blow at Stamford Bridge, despite the physical presence he provides in attack.
However, after a slow start, Luiz has vastly improved in recent weeks and his absence against Benfica may prove a larger loss.
The good news for Chelsea is if he fails to make it, Cahill can step in alongside John Terry to renew the partnership that has previously blossomed for England.
What looked like a weakened Chelsea have already won away to Benfica and the fact that they have triumphed in all five of their Champions League home games this season must be considered a further boost to their chances.
Moreover, on all seven occasions in the past that Chelsea have won the first leg of a European game away from home, they have successfully completed their progression at Stamford Bridge.
