CARLO Ancelotti has a selection headache for Sunday's crunch clash with Stoke City.
Dider Drogba 's groin problem is far from the Chelsea boss's only concern ahead of the must-win clash at the Bridge.
Michael Essien 's knee has again flared up in training, making it doubtful that he will play again this season. He also faces a race against time to be ready for Ghana's World Cup campaign.
And with John Obi Mikel also ruled out with a knee injury, Deco or Michael Ballack will have to take over the holding midfield role that neither player prefers.
John Terry is suspended following his dismissal at Spurs and with Ricardo Carvalho out for another week at least, Branislav Ivanovic may have to play alongside Alex in central defence.
On the plus side, Ashley Cole could make his return, having been on the bench at Spurs.
Chelsea have needed 90 th minute winners in both of the last two clashes with Stoke.
Florent Malouda netted the decider at the Britannia Stadium in September, while Frank Lampard was the man last January.
A 2-0 FA Cup win over Stoke at the Bridge this year made it five wins in a row in head to heads and Stoke have not beaten the Blues in the league for 35 years.
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