Alex and Anelka could miss Fulham clash

Chelsea have fresh injury doubts over defender Alex (knee) and Nicolas Anelka (back) in the run-up to tomorrow’s west London derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Midfielder Frank Lampard remains sidelined with a tendon problem but Michael Essien has recovered from the toe injury that kept him out of the Liverpool game on Sunday.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will play despite being diagnosed with a bout of malaria.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Obi, Essien, Ramires, Zhirkov, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Malouda, Drogba, Turnbull, Van Aanholt, McEachran, Borini, Bruma, Ferriera, Sturridge, Kakuta.