Blues will be depleted

Chelsea are likely to be without defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda for their FA Cup third round tie against Southend at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Both players collected hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage and are very doubtful.

Michael Essien is still out with a knee ligament problem but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again following an eight-week spell out of action with knee and hamstring injuries.

Michael Ballack is suspended after collecting five yellow cards, while captain John Terry sits out the final game of a three-match ban.

Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Carvalho, A Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Deco, Obi, Kalou, Stoch, Drogba, Anelka, J Cole, Belletti, Mineiro, Di Santo.