Drogba returns against Stoke

Didier Drogba is back in the Chelsea squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League match at home to Stoke.

The Ivory Coast striker was axed for the midweek FA Cup third-round replay against Southend.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is boosted by the return of Florent Malouda after a hamstring injury but looks set to lose Joe Cole to a knee problem. Midfielder Deco misses out with a calf strain, but Ricardo Carvalho is fit after a calf problem.

Team (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Terry, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, A Cole, Belletti, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Kalou, Stoch, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda, Di Santo, Mineiro, Mancienne.