Gary Cahill back in Chelsea squad for Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League clash after six-month exile

CHELSEA captain Gary Cahill is set for a return to the squad in tomorrow night’s Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Blues outcast has been deprived of game time this season making just seven appearances – having last played in November against PAOK Salonika.

The 33-year-old has recovered from hip injury and is set to be on the bench tomorrow night in Germany.

It follows from the confirmation Antonio Rudiger will miss the rest of the season after having had  surgery in Rome on his knee after an injury he suffered against Manchester United.

Andreas Christensen, 23, could fill in next to David Luiz allowing veteran Cahill to cover as a substitute.

The former England defender was an unused sub during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at the end of last month.

Cahill is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next season – but has not agreed an extension nor a free transfer elsewhere.

Rudiger’s injury in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford came in his first game back since he limped off against Liverpool with a problem on the same knee.

Germany’s centre-half, 26, was accompanied by the club’s doctor to Rome for the operation on his meniscus, and is expected to remain there until at least Thursday.

Chelsea revealed the surgery had been successful in a statement – but gave no indication on when Rudiger would return to action.