African trio fine to face Fulham

Carlo Ancelotti had expected to be without all three for the Premier League clash against the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge as they prepare for the impending African Nations Cup, but the Blues have managed to secure an agreement with their national teams to delay their departures until Tuesday. Chelsea will still be without Nicolas Anelka (muscular), Michael Essien (hamstring) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) while Florent Malouda serves a one-game ban. Blues (from): Cech, Hilario, Turnbull, Ivanovic, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, J Cole, Zhirkov, Drogba, Kalou, Kakuta, Bruma, Borini, Sturridge, Matic.