Cesc Fabregas will return to the Chelsea squad for the visit of Everton but fellow Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel has been ruled out.
Jose Mourinho had hoped Fabregas would pass a fitness test for Saturday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa but the Spanish international failed to make the bench.
Mikel was in the dugout for that game but won’t be available for Wednesday’s clash with the Toffees are suffering a knee injury this week.
Mourinho said: “Injured, we have only Mikel. With a little problem in his knee. He is the only one who is not in conditions [to play].
“I want to have every player but the team played well without him [Fabregas] and we coped with the situation. Obviously to have him back is important.”
Brazilian full-back Filipe Luis was not present for the weekend win at Villa Park but Mourinho hopes he can shake off his injury problem in time for Wednesday’s game.
He added: “We have a couple of little things that we have to control tomorrow, but normally, not any problems.”
Everton will welcome back goalkeeper Tim Howard for the midweek trip to Stamford Bridge.
The American has missed eight matches since suffering a calf injury against Stoke City on Boxing Day but is in line to return between the sticks for the Toffees.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: “Tim has been working very well. Yesterday he trained well so he is fully fit now for any games.
“Whenever Tim is fit he is our number one. The experience that he has, what he represents in our squad – I have got total faith in him. It’s great to see him fit again and training again and having a massive influence on our squad.”
Aiden McGeady is definitely out for Everton and question marks remain over the fitness of Leighton Baines and James McCarthy ahead of the Chelsea fixture.
