FA Cup: Petit may make defensive switch

Emmanuel Petit may be employed at centre-half for Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round tie with Preston.

French international Petit, who has recovered from a knock he picked up on international duty in midweek, may slot in to the centre of defence after John Terry broke a bone in his foot at Aston Villa last week.

Mario Melchiot would have been another option in that position but he is suspended while William Gallas (ankle) is another defender rated doubtful.

Midfielder Jody Morris returns following his ankle problem and Celestine Babayaro is back from African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.

Team (from): Cudicini, De Goey, Ferrer, Desailly, Petit, Gallas, Le Saux, Babayaro, Stanic, Lampard, Dalla Bona, Morris, Jokanovic, Zola, Gudjohnsen, Forssell, Hasselbaink, Gronkjaer.