Duff eyes comeback in three weeks

Damien Duff is optimistic he will be back playing in three weeks without the need for surgery after dislocating his shoulder.

Duff, who suffered the injury during Saturday’s victory over Fulham, said on the club’s website, www.chelseafc.com: “I’d far rather be playing than having an operation. I’ve been determined to come back as soon as possible.

“I’m sore but I feel much better already.”

Duff will miss tomorrow's trip top Charlton, but boss Claudio Ranieri has Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink back from his one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, Juan Sebastian Veron and Emmanuel Petit are still expected to miss out with their respective ankle, back and knee injuries.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Cudicini, Sullivan, Johnson, Melchiot, Desailly, Terry, Gallas, Huth, Bridge, Babayaro, Lampard, Makelele, Cole, Geremi, Gronkjaer, Mutu, Crespo, Hasselbaink.