Mourinho won't rule out Essien

Jose Mourinho insists Michael Essien has a ’chance’ of being fit for tomorrow night’s FA Cup replay against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Essien collected a knee injury in the first tie between the two clubs and was not included in the side which beat Sheffield United 3-0 in the Premiership yesterday.

Midfielder Joe Cole (foot) remains Chelsea’s only long-term absentee while Mikel Jon Obi is available again after suspension.

Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Boulahrouz, Mikel.