Chelsea captain Gary Cahill is facing an anxious wait to see if he will be recalled to the starting line-up to face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

Cahill was dropped to the substitutes’ bench for the 4-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday, with observers assuming he was simply being rested for the Champions League trip.

However, Standard Sport understands that coach Antonio Conte has not told the 31-year-old that he will be in the first XI against Diego Simeone’s side yet.

Cahill’s return is by no means assured given the form of Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in the back three.

​Conte has already promised that David Luiz, who has served two games of a three match domestic ban, will start at the Wanda Metropolitano, meaning Andreas Christensen is set to be on the bench.

The Chelsea boss showed last season that being club captain does not guarantee selection. Former skipper John Terry started just 10 games under Conte during 2016-17, with Cahill wearing the armband on the pitch.

Azpilicueta captained the side on Saturday, although he handed over the armband when Cahill came on in the second half.

Given the quality of Atletico, who are currently second in La Liga, it would be a surprise if the England defender is not picked ahead of Rudiger.

