Marcel Desailly is expected to return for Chelsea against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday after missing the embarrassing UEFA Cup first round exit against Viking Stavanger.

Desailly was ruled out of the second leg tie by a hamstring strain and the Blues also hope to welcome back Quique De Lucas and Celestine Babayaro from calf injuries.

Mario Melchiot is available again after completing a suspension and Albert Ferrer has recovered from a hamstring strain.

The question on everyone’s lips though is who will start up front for The Blues? Will Ranieri keep faith with Jimmy? The heat is on….

stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk