Chelsea consider taking calculated risk on Michael Essien for Juventus clash

Guus Hiddink leads Chelsea here for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League but the temporary first-team coach admitted that Manchester United are capable of winning all five trophies they are going for.

By John Ley in Turin

telegraph.co.uk

Chelsea stand between United and the two remaining domestic prizes; currently second to United in the Premier League, they face the potential of an FA Cup final against Sir Alex Ferguson's side if both teams are successful in their semi-finals.

Chelsea hold a valuable 1-0 lead going into Tuesday's tie against Juventus in the Olympic Stadium where Hiddink is considering a gamble of recalling Michael Essien for his first start since August, after he returned, as a substitute in Saturday's FA Cup win at Coventry.

Hiddink is expected to recall Essien – as well as Nicolas Anelka – whose season was halted by a knee operation. "I think it's very important from now until the end of the season to have a big squad in terms of numbers and quality," Hiddink said. "Essien has come back so we have more depth in quality in the squad. He can make his contribution like he did in the past.

"He was out for many, many months, so it's not easy for him to get the rhythm of the game from the first minute he plays. But he's very strong, a very positive guy, and he can have a huge impact for the rest of the season. He's ready."

Of United's quest for glory, Hiddink said: "They'd like to have the quintuple. It's very rare. But they are on all roads, and that has to be respected how well they're doing it."

United have already claimed the Club World Cup and Carling Cup, in addition to the Community Shield, and lead the Premier League by seven points.

Hiddink could not disguise his admiration for United, both in their pursuit of the perfect season and the manner of their performances, highlighted most recently by Saturday's emphatic 4-0 FA Cup win at Fulham.

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photo: Back in action: Chelsea's Michael Essien returned to action last weekend in the FA Cup against Coventry and could face Juventus in the Champions League Photo: GETTY IMAGES