Benitez resists temptation to pick Torres and Ba to rescue Cup tie

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final, Benitez knows his side must score at least twice but is reluctant to employ both his high-profile frontmen at the same time.

He said: “It’s not easy for us to play both at the same time given the quality of the players playing behind. It’s an option for 15 minutes, and we can do it if necessary.

“We have confidence that we can do it. It’s not easy, but we’ve done it before in other stadiums and we can do it.

“We have to score and win. For them, it depends: 2-0 up, they could wait and play counter-attack. They could try to pass the ball and attack, but I think they will wait for us.

“We have to go there and try to win. Not just 1-0 – we have to do a bit better than that. But we can do it. We have enough quality.”

Benitez refused to discuss off-field events at Chelsea, including contract discussions for John Terry, who is in line for a return to the starting XI tonight.

Terry has not started since November 11 when he suffered a knee injury in the first half of the draw with Liverpool.

The 32-year-old defender has made just one brief substitute appearance since, against Stoke, and was an unused replacement for the draw with Southampton and Sunday’s defeat of Arsenal.

Asked if Terry has been frustrated by his lack of match action, Benitez added: “No. I think he knows he will need time. He’ll be involved in the squad and is an option.”

England left-back Ashley Cole has signed a one-year contract extension at Chelsea.

Cole said: “I am pleased I will be starting my eighth season at Chelsea.

“I wanted to stay at Chelsea because we are always fighting and challenging for trophies.

“That desire and the will to want to win things have not gone,” said the 32-year-old.