Duff to make comeback against Stuttgart

DAMIEN DUFF is expected to make his long-awaited comeback from injury with a place on Chelsea’s bench for the Champions League tie against Stuttgart.

The Republic of Ireland winger has not started a game since December when he dislocated his shoulder against Fulham.

He made two substitute appearances on his first attempted comeback last month only to break down again with a recurrence of an Achilles problem.

But boss Claudio Ranieri said: “I hope that Damien can be back on Wednesday.”

“Last week, he trained with all his team-mates. Not at the same level but he is getting better and that is important.

“I hope that he will maybe be on the bench for the Champions League. I am not sure but I want to check him,” said Ranieri.

Physio Mike Banks added: “Damien has been training with the team for most of last week and looks in very good condition.

“But with an Achilles injury, it is important not to be too pushy or it will end up costing him more time in the long run.”

Duff’s width, penetration and dribbling ability have been badly missed by Chelsea, who will want to get back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats to Arsenal.

Chelsea’s only chance of winning a trophy this season now rests on the Champions League, and Ranieri hopes to have goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini back. The Italian missed

Saturday’s game against Arsenal with a recurrence of his groin problems.

While Emmanuel Petit is still out, Celestine Babayaro is close to a return from a hamstring injury.

Hernan Crespo has been suffering from a virus, but his fitness will be assessed ahead of the trip to Germany.