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Guus Hiddink is weighing up the merits of starting with Michael Essien in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League tie at Juventus.
Essien is back to fitness after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury and made his first-team comeback against Coventry City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Ghanaian midfielder played the final half-hour of the 2-0 quarter-final success and is pushing for a start against Juventus on Tuesday.
Chelsea boss Hiddink admits Essien will come into his thoughts for a starting role in the second leg of the last 16 encounter in Italy.
However, with the former Lyon ace only just back from a long-term injury, Hiddink is wary about taking too many risks with Essien.
"Michael did a very good job after his very heavy injury," said Hiddink.
"He is fit, but there is a difference to be game fit. I have time to think if we start with him [on Tuesday] and see how he reacts."
Hiddink is sweating over the fitness of Nicolas Anelka and Deco for the game at Juventus, with both players having missed the Coventry win through minor injuries.
Essien is back to fitness after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury and made his first-team comeback against Coventry City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Ghanaian midfielder played the final half-hour of the 2-0 quarter-final success and is pushing for a start against Juventus on Tuesday.
Chelsea boss Hiddink admits Essien will come into his thoughts for a starting role in the second leg of the last 16 encounter in Italy.
However, with the former Lyon ace only just back from a long-term injury, Hiddink is wary about taking too many risks with Essien.
"Michael did a very good job after his very heavy injury," said Hiddink.
"He is fit, but there is a difference to be game fit. I have time to think if we start with him [on Tuesday] and see how he reacts."
Hiddink is sweating over the fitness of Nicolas Anelka and Deco for the game at Juventus, with both players having missed the Coventry win through minor injuries.
