Zhirkov worry for Blues

Chelsea are likely to be without new signing Yuri Zhirkov for the Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland on Tuesday night.

Zhirkov is still struggling with a knee injury while full-back Juliano Belletti (Achilles) and defender Alex (groin) are also expected to miss out.

Midfielder Joe Cole and right-back Paulo Ferreira are back in training but not considered match fit enough to be considered.

Provisional squad: Cech, Turnbull, Hilario, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, A Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Essien, Ballack, Obi, Lampard, Kalou, Deco, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba, Sturridge, Hutchinson.