Drogba on the bench for Anfield visit

Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea left Didier Drogba on the bench for this afternoon’s clash at Liverpool.

Midfielder Michael Essien missed the Anfield encounter with a toe injury but captain John Terry returned after being rested for the midweek Champions League tie against Spartak Moscow.

In-form Nicolas Anelka, a former Liverpool loanee, led the attack along with Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda.

Liverpool welcomed back Dirk Kuyt after an ankle injury but Glen Johnson missed out against his former club with a mild adductor strain and influential defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos pulled out with tonsilitis.

Youngster Martin Kelly came in at right-back with veteran Jamie Carragher reverting to central defensive duties.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Meireles, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Maxi, Torres.

Subs: Hansen, Jovanovic, Wilson, Ngog, Spearing, Poulsen, Shelvey.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda.

Subs: Turnbull, Drogba, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Sturridge, Kakuta, McEachran.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)