Premiership: Cole returns to face Chelsea

Andy Cole returns to Blackburn's starting line-up for the visit of Chelsea to Ewood Park.

The striker has served his three-match suspension for his dismissal in the draw at Bolton.

Cole is likely to partner Matt Jansen, who will be making his 100th start for Rovers.

Manager Graeme Souness said: "Chelsea are a top team and on their day they are a match for anyone. It certainly won't be easy.

"But we are at home, and if we play to our strengths, we can give anyone a game."

Meanwhile, Chelsea's John Terry is intending to catch a flight to join his teammates in time for the game after making a court appearance in the morning.

Terry's latest hearing on charges following a nightclub incident was originally scheduled to take place at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court on Tuesday.

However, that was delayed due to the Queen Mother's funeral.

Chelsea are nevertheless counting on the fact that the hearing should start at about 9.30am and may take little more than 30 minutes to complete.

That would leave Terry free to join up with the squad in time to face Blackburn, with the club needing victory to maintain pressure on fourth-placed Newcastle.

The defender has also shrugged off the after-effects of 12 stitches in a head wound after being taken off just 15 minutes into the win against Everton when he crashed into a goalpost.

Terry has therefore been given the go-ahead to play against Blackburn, especially with William Gallas still doubtful with a calf problem.

Gallas faces a fitness test along with Celestine Babayaro, who has a hamstring problem, and Jesper Gronkjaer, who has a foot injury, although all three of them may not return until Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Fulham.

Emmanuel Petit also suffered a minor ankle injury against Everton, while Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also picked up a knock, but neither problem is understood to be serious.

Jody Morris, who has been charged along with Terry, will also appear in court, but will not travel to the game at Blackburn due to an ankle injury.