Benitez mulling over Lampard start

Rafael Benitez was today still pondering his starting line-up for Chelsea’s World Club Cup final against Corinthians.

The interim manager revealed he had yet to decide on his starting line-up, particularly whether to hand Frank Lampard a first start since his recovery from a calf problem.

“The good thing about this team, this squad, is I can choose any player and I’m sure that they will perform,” Benitez said.

“Frank is one of these players. He’s a good player, a very good player.

“Still, I don’t have the team in my head.

“After talking with my staff, we will decide.”

Asked if defender David Luiz might keep his place in midfield, Benitez said: “Why not?”

John Terry (knee) Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) were left back in London, as was Oriol Romeu, who has been ruled out for the season following knee surgery.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Moses, Marin, Piazon, Torres, Turnbull.