Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he is delighted by Nemanja Matic's return to the side ahead of tonight's Champions League last-16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho confirmed on Tuesday that the Serbian would be in the team for the second leg at Stamford Bridge after serving a two-game domestic ban and overcoming an ankle injury.
Fabregas believes that his midfield partner will play a key role for Chelsea against PSG as they look to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
"He is a top player," the Spaniard told the club's official website. "He is having a fantastic season. Obviously we need the best out of everybody against PSG but we do definitely need the best out of him because he is the one that gives the balance to the team offensively and defensively.
"He is a key player for us and it's good that he recovered well and he can be on top of his game. Midfielders have to attack and defend and when he plays he gives us this ability to control games offensively and defensively very well."
The last-16 tie currently hangs in the balance following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Prince three weeks ago.