Veron returns to Chelsea squad

Juan Sebastian Veron returns to Chelsea’s squad for the visit of Middlesbrough tomorrow after a four-month injury lay-off.

The Argentina midfielder has not played for the Stamford Bridge side since the 5-0 victory at home to Newcastle on November 9 after being ruled out with a back injury.

Fellow midfielder Emmanuel Petit (knee), goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (hand) and defender Glen Johnson (ankle) are all still out but with the resources at hand to boss Claudio Ranieri he is expected to ring the changes after their famous Champions League victory over Arsenal in midweek.

Provisional squad: Ambrosio, Sullivan, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Babayaro, Melchiot, Huth, Geremi, Lampard, Parker, Cole, Makelele, Veron, Duff, Gronkjaer, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen, Crespo, Mutu.