Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that he has no concerns about using skipper Gary Cahill in Friday night's FA Cup clash against Hull City.
The 32-year-old was left "devastated" by the news earlier this week that Ryan Mason has been forced to retire from playing due to a clash of heads between the pair 13 months ago.
Conte has reassured Cahill that he is blameless for the unfortunate incident at Stamford Bridge last year, though, and is confident that the English centre-back has the right mentality to feature against Hull if called upon.
"This is a question for Gary, but at the same time, I think it's okay," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "We are talking about a top player, no?
"For his commitment, his behaviour during, before, and after the game. This type of situation can happen. I was a player and I understand it - when I was 16 my team-mate broke my leg and risked my whole career.
"It was an unlucky situation. Gary is a fantastic guy, a fantastic person. He must be okay because it's not his fault. I must be honest, I did not speak with him about it. I think that, if I have to go to speak with him, it means there is a problem. I don't see a problem. Football is this.
"Sometimes it can happen, this type of situation. The most important thing is there is not the will to do this. We are very sad for this news. But football is this. You have to try and accept also these bad situations. They can happen."
Cahill was benched for Chelsea's 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League earlier this week.
Daniel Lewis
