Ancelotti delighted Benayoun is back

The former Liverpool playmaker came off the bench for Israel's game in Tel Aviv on Tuesday (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun made his comeback after six months out with a torn Achilles with a 20-minute appearance for Israel in a 1-0 victory over Georgia on Tuesday.

The former Liverpool playmaker came off the bench for the game in Tel Aviv, but is unlikely to be considered for the Chelsea squad to face Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Chelsea last night denied reports from Israel that they had opposed Benayoun's decision to join up with the national team, and said that he went with their blessing. The Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was reported to be delighted that Benayoun had managed to get some time on the pitch under his belt, but does not want to put the midfielder in the Chelsea squad until he is sure he is 100 per cent fit.