Drogba returns to Chelsea squad

Drogba returns to Chelsea squad

Published Sep. 21, 2011 1:14 p.m. ET

Didier Drogba returns but Chelsea will otherwise flood their team with youngsters for Wednesday's Carling Cup third-round tie against Fulham.

Drogba has recovered from the sickening head injury that has sidelined him for more than three weeks and is likely to lead the attack alongside 18-year-old Romelu Lukaku.

Josh McEachran, Oriol Romeu, Ryan Bertrand and possibly Ross Turnbull will all start on Wednesday, with manager Andre Villas-Boas using England's second cup competition to blood his younger players.

Fulham have a doubt over Algerian defender Rafik Halliche because of illness as manager Martin Jol prepares to freshen up his side.

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Captain Danny Murphy and centre-back Brede Hangeland are among those likely to be rested following what has been a hectic start to the new season on the back of Europa League qualification.

Defender Bjorn Helge Riise (groin) remains sidelined, but Aaron Hughes (knee) could return for the weekend's Barclays Premier League game against West Brom.

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