Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun 'cannot wait to start a game' after recovering from injury nightmare

Israeli international played 20 minutes of a European Championship qualifier against Georgia, and is hoping to regain place in club squad after five-month absence



The 30-year-old underwent Achilles surgery last October and has remained on the sidelines since, but he recently returned to play for 20 minutes in Israel's victorious Euro 2012 qualifier against Georgia.



"I was just so happy when the coach told me I could get back on the pitch again after so long out," Benayoun told reporters.



"I knew I couldn't have played for 90 minutes but felt I could play for 20 or 30 at a high level.



"I can't wait to start a game again."



Benayoun joined Chelsea from Liverpool last summer in a deal reported to be in the region of £5.5 million.



Ourprovides the best breaking news online and ourfootball fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again! Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ecstatic to have made a return to playing competitive football.The 30-year-old underwent Achilles surgery last October and has remained on the sidelines since, but he recently returned to play for 20 minutes in Israel's victorious Euro 2012 qualifier against Georgia."I was just so happy when the coach told me I could get back on the pitch again after so long out," Benayoun told reporters."I knew I couldn't have played for 90 minutes but felt I could play for 20 or 30 at a high level."I can't wait to start a game again."Benayoun joined Chelsea from Liverpool last summer in a deal reported to be in the region of £5.5 million.