Premiership record signing Fernando Torres is in line to make his first Champions League start for Chelsea tonight as the Blues try to reignite their stuttering season.
Chelsea, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton on Saturday and languish in fifth in the Premier League, face a tricky away trip to FC Copenhagen.
And Torres, a £50 million deadline day signing from Liverpool, is expected to start with Didier Drogba again relegated to the bench.
Since Torres’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have endured a miserable time – losing at home to Liverpool, drawing at Fulham before Saturday’s penalty shootout defeat against Everton.
They have scored just once in the three matches with Torres substituted in both matches he’s played in.
John Terry has admitted tonight’s clash is a welcome change from the club’s domestic disappointments – and admits Torres will play a vital role as they look to capture their first ever Champions League crown.
The captain told the club’s official website: “Fernando could definitely be the key and being in the position we are at the moment, away from the Premier League a little bit and out of all other competitions, we can pretty much focus on the Champions League.
“We know it is going to be tough but with this being our main focus and with Fernando in the squad as well, this could be the key for us.
“Being knocked out of those competitions may be a blessing in disguise.
“The Champions League is the one that has eluded this football club and me as a player, so hopefully we can go all the way to Wembley.”