Hilario continues for Chelsea

Hilario is expected to continue in goal for Chelsea for the Carling Cup third-round tie at Blackburn in the absence of Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.

Cudicini has stepped up his training after recovering from concussion but Jose Mourinho is unlikely to rush him back into action at Ewood Park.

Joe Cole could start his first game of the season as Mourinho tries to rest some of his senior players for the first of three away games in seven days.

Mikel Jon Obi is available after serving his one-match ban for a red card at Reading.

Team (from): Hilario, Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Geremi, Mikel, Makelele, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Diarra, J Cole, Wright-Phillips, Robben, Kalou, Drogba, Shevchenko, Ma-Kalambay.