The former West Ham midfielder has not played for four matches since injuring his knee in the fifth-round clash at Manchester City on February 13. However, Pulis said the 28-year-old was nearing full fitness and could be available on Sunday. "We are still waiting on Matty Etherington being fit," he said. "It is another player we desperately need in our team because he gives us something that we haven't got - pace and trickery down the side of the pitch." Pulis still feels Etherington can force his way into the England's World Cup squad before the end of the season, following defender Ryan Shawcross who was an unused substitute against Egypt at Wembley this week. "He has been brilliant for us this year and he needs to get in the team," added Pulis. "Having seen Ryan get into the England squad there is no reason why, if he continues his form, he hasn't got a shout as well." Shawcross' stay with the national team helped the player get over the fall-out from his leg-breaking tackle on Aaron Ramsey against Arsenal last weekend. And Pulis has backed the player to seize the opportunity he has been offered by Fabio Capello, which he hopes would then go on to benefit Stoke. "We signed Ryan at 19 and has been a fantastic player for this club and is part of the future we are trying to build," he said. "I think when you are dealing with the great players he has been dealing with it will give him an insight into what he has to do if he has aspirations of playing for his country." This week's international fixtures have got in the way of preparations for the FA Cup tie with seven players travelling with their national teams. Pulis will assess all of them carefully before selecting his side to face Chelsea. "We've had seven away this week, which has been a pain in the backside for us - especially with the Chelsea game coming up because you want to work and be prepared," he added. "We've had busy period over the last few weeks and we'll have to look at players and see what time they have spent on the pitch, see which ones are fresher and pick a team which will be competitive."
