Duo in Blues squad for Basle trip

Fit-again Ashley Cole has provided Chelsea with a major boost
24 April 2013

England defenders Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill were part of the squad as Chelsea travelled to Switzerland for Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg with Basle.

The Blues confirmed on their official website that the pair were included in Chelsea's 19-man squad for the match.

Cole has not featured since limping off during the April 1 FA Cup quarter-final replay win over Manchester United, while Cahill underwent minor knee surgery on March 30 after suffering the injury against West Ham prior to the international break.

Brazil forward Oscar also travelled despite coming off during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool with a groin problem, meaning Chelsea have a near-full squad to pick from. Long-term injury victim Oriol Romeu (knee) is the only definite absentee.

Chelsea will train at Basle's St-Jakob Park on Wednesday night seeking to claim a first-leg advantage over the conquerors of Tottenham ahead of the May 2 return at Stamford Bridge.

The winners of the two-legged tie will play Fenerbahce or Benfica on the May 15 final in Amsterdam.

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