Chelsea wait on Lampard fitness

Chelsea are waiting on the fitness of midfielder Frank Lampard ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Birmingham at St Andrews.

Lampard has been out of action with a thigh problem but is back in training and could be available for the trip to the midlands.

Captain John Terry is still out with a fractured foot along with Andriy Shevchenko (ankle) while Mikel John Obi, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup.

New signings Branislav Ivanovic and Nicolas Anelka are hoping to make their first starts for Blues.

Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Carvalho, Ivanovic, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Pizarro, Anelka, Ballack, Sinclair, Makelele.