Conte: Cahill is fine after Mason blow

ANTONIO CONTE expects Gary Cahill to conquer the demons of his frightening collision with Ryan Mason as Hull City return to Stamford Bridge tonight.

When the clubs last met, 13 months ago, Chelsea skipper Cahill and Mason clashed heads as they competed for a corner, leaving the Tigers midfielder with a fractured skull.

Mason was forced to quit football, at the age of 26, on medical advice earlier this week despite his valiant recovery.

England defender Cahill (below) revealed he was “devastated” to learn of Mason’s enforced retirement – but Blues manager Conte is happy to involve him in this evening’s FA Cup tie.

He believes Cahill – who was dropped for Monday night’s 3-0 win against West Brom – will be able to cope with the emotional turbulence because he was blameless in the aerial clash.

The Italian said: “When you play, and your behaviour is always with great honesty, this type of situation can happen. My team-mate broke my leg when I was 16 and risked my whole career, but it was a unlucky.

“Gary is a fantastic person, and he must be OK because it wasn’t his fault. I didn’t think of taking him out for this match.” CHELSEA: Caballero, Ampadu, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Moses, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Zappacosta, Pedro, Morata, Hudson-Odoi.