Petr Cech looks ready for a return to his native Czech Republic as Chelsea jetted off for their Europa League tie against Sparta Prague.

John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, who both starred in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations victory over Burkino Faso, have been left at home as Rafael Benitez tries to avoid making the same mistake as Neil Lennon, who played Efe Ambrose against Juventus two days after the final.

Demba Ba is cup-tied after appearing for Newcastle in the earlier stages, David Luiz is suspended, while John Terry and Oriol Romeu have long term knee injuries.

Jet-set: Juan Mata and Petr Cech on the plane, the latter returning to his home country

 

Relaxed: Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Bertrand, enjoying the flight to the Czech capital

Chelsea have not played in Europe's second-tier competition since the 2002/03 season when they lost 5-4 to Norwegian side Viking FK in the first round.

Their bid to retain the Champions League failed at the group stages, but the Blues' season has become no less hectic with trips around the continent in the Europa League.

The absence of Ba will mean another probable start for Fernando Torres upfront at the Generali Arena.

Three yellow cards in the group stage of the Champions League mean Luiz will not be featuring in Prague, with Gary Cahill to be partnered with Branislav Ivanovic.

Defeated: Chelsea only drew and lost against Juventus, results which hindered their progression

Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League losing their away matches to Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus.

They may have thrashed Nordsjælland 6-1 at home, but because results did not go their way they were left floundering in third place.

Rafael Benitez will undoubtedly see this as a competition worth winning as his tenure at Stamford Bridge looks likely to be very short.

With the league now out of the question as Manchester United move further and further clear, Chelsea will put out a strong side in the hope of achieving silverware this season.

Villain: Shakhtar Donetsk's Willian was a thorn in Chelsea's side over their two matches

Title: Victor Moses was instrumental in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations victory

 

Daily Mail