Chelsea trio face fitness tests

Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien all face fitness checks tomorrow ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup third-round tie with Ipswich on Sunday.

Striker Drogba picked up a knock in training today, while full-back Cole and midfielder Essien were unable to train after hurting themselves in Wednesday night’s shock Barclays Premier League defeat at Wolves.

Alex returned from Brazil today and will continue treatment on the knee injury that is expected to keep him out for another three or four weeks, while John Obi Mikel (knee), Yury Zhirkov (calf) and Yossi Benayoun (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Bruma, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Kalou, Essien, Lampard, Anelka, Sturridge, Drogba, Malouda, Turnbull, Van Aanholt, McEachran, Mellis.