Ba expected to face former club

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has no qualms about selecting Demba Ba for the match at the striker's former club Newcastle.

The 27-year-old Senegal striker scored 29 goals in 54 Barclays Premier League matches over 18 months at Newcastle, before signing for Chelsea on January 4 for a fee believed to be £7million.

"He's quite confident that he can do well if he plays," Benitez said. "He's training well. He's a professional. He knows that some fans will not be happy, but some fans will understand the situation. He's ready to do his best for the team."

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