Bridge over troubles
Wednesday, 26 October, 2005
England full-back Wayne Bridge makes a return to the Chelsea starting eleven after eight months out through injury.
Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge has been told he is still in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans after recovering injury.
On Wednesday night, Bridge played his first Blues first-team match since February, when he broke his ankle in a challenge with former England striker Alan Shearer.
After playing an hour in Chelsea's Carling Cup penalty defeat against Charlton he will no doubt be looking to regain a regular place in the Stamford Bridge side.
And his next target will be the left-back position for England, with Ashley Cole also currently ruled out for up to two months with a stress fracture in his foot.
The Three Lions Head Coach is delighted to see Bridge close to an England return and insists he can still book his place on the plane to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him back on a football pitch again after a long time out. I have been following his progress closely and am delighted he is back," Sven said as Bridge prepared for his return.
"I know that he has been working extremely hard to get back to fitness and I believe he is returning ahead of schedule.
"He is still very much in my plans and if he plays well the door is absolutely still open."
And Chelsea are also pleased that the 25-year-old is available for selection, despite the impressive form of Asier del Horno in his place so far this season.
Blues assistant manager Steve Clarke said: "It is great to have him back in the squad and in contention to play.
"For Wayne the most important thing is to get back into the Chelsea side first and to be involved on a regular basis in the team and the squad. The England situation will take care of itself from there."