Grant lifted by trio’s return

AVRAM GRANT is probably due a slice of luck as he battles to keep alive Chelsea’s season and his own job prospects, and last night his fortune appeared to take a turn for the better.

Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, who had been expected to miss tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final with Liverpool through a combination of injury and compassionate leave, all trained yesterday.

Ballack and Drogba, who both missed last Thursday’s win at Everton through ankle injuries, have made quick progress in their rehabilitation, with Ballack’s recovery especially timely. With Michael Essien suspended and Lampard’s involvement uncertain as his mother remains sick in hospital with pneumonia, Grant had been facing a midfield selection crisis.