Lampard close to Blues return

England midfielder Frank Lampard could be back in contention for a place in Avram Grant’s squad against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Lampard is close to fitness after being sidelined with a thigh problem since Boxing Day.

Defender Ricardo Carvalho is back after suspension but Andriy Shevchenko (back) and John Terry (foot) remain out. Mikel John Obi should be available after international duty in the African Nations Cup.

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