Lampard expected to return
England midfielder Frank Lampard is expected to have shaken off his virus in time to face struggling Birmingham at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard’s run of 164 consecutive games in the top flight was brought to a halt when he was forced to miss the game against Manchester City on Wednesday night because of illness.
Centre-half Ricardo Carvalho remains doubtful with an ankle problem but Chelsea have no other major injury worries.
Coach Jose Mourinho is set to continue with his festive rotation policy with goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini possibly handed a place in the starting line-up instead of Petr Cech.
Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo is likely to lead the attack in place of Didier Drogba with winger Arjen Robben replacing Damien Duff.
Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Gallas, Terry, del Horno, Huth, Bridge, Lampard, Essien, Makelele, Gudjohnsen, Drogba, Crespo, J Cole, C Cole, Robben, Duff, Wright-Phillips.
