Meireles in line for Blues debut

New signing Raul Meireles could make his Chelsea debut in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game at Sunderland.

Petr Cech, David Luiz and Daniel Sturridge are also in contention for a starting place at the Stadium of Light, but Didier Drogba is still recovering from a head injury.

Cech is back sooner than expected from a knee problem, Luiz has recovered from a thigh complaint and Sturridge is available following his three match ban, while Michael Essien (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Romeu, McEachran, Lampard, Ramires, Meireles, Mata, Malouda, Torres, Anelka, Sturridge, Kalou, Lukaku, Hilario.