Chelsea are continuing to monitor the situation in the Middle East with regard to security fears ahead of their UEFA Cup tie in Israel.

The Blues make the trip to Hapoel Tel Aviv for a UEFA Cup second-round, first-leg meeting. And following the air strikes on Afghanistan, Chelsea officials are keeping an eye on all developments in the area. Assistant manager Gywn Williams said: "We are in daily contact with the FA and UEFA regarding the situation. At the moment nothing has changed, we will be going to Israel as planned." Williams added: "Our managing director Colin Hutchinson travelled to Israel last week, where he spoke with the security forces and came back well satisfied with arrangements. If things deteriorate we will have to look at the situation but that hasn't happened yet. We have not considered the alternatives and there has been no discussion regarding a neutral venue."