Alex and Ramires absent for Chelsea

Alex and Ramires are again set to be absent for Chelsea when they host West Ham in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow.

The Brazilian duo have missed the last two matches with hamstring injuries but are expected to be fit for next weekend’s game against Tottenham.

Branislav Ivanovic could return tomorrow after sitting out Wednesday night’s match against Birmingham with a muscle strain, while Ashley Cole is expected to shrug off the slight ankle knock that forced him off in midweek.

Provisional squad: Cech, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Benayoun, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull.