Chelsea FC's season could be reborn this week with the Blues ready to name a fully fit team for the first time in six months.

It was back in September that Chelsea could last call on their true first XI, but a series of injuries - some mere knocks, others career-threatening - have helped derail their challenge on three fronts since then.

Monday night's return to the reserves for Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho was heralded as excellent news for the club just as they enter a crucial phase of the season.

Tomorrow they face Coventry City at the Sky Blues Ricoh Arena for a place in the FA Cup semi final and a trip to Wembley.

Stand-in coach Guus Hiddink, now with a record of four wins out of four, said his boot camp regime had paid off.

And he welcomed particularly the performance of his winning goalscorer in Tuesday's character-filled win at Fratton Park.

At the same time the usually self-effacing Dutchman gave himself a little pat on the back.

He added: "Didier Drogba is one of the guys who was from the first day enjoying it.

"And I think that is why he is having this efficiency as well."

But it is Essien's return to form that will be most welcomed.

He has been sidelined by a cruciate ligament injury since September and, along with Carvalho - hamstrung for six weeks, played against Aston Villa's second string.