For the home side defender John O'Shea and striker Steven Fletcher are both in contention for the clash. O'Shea is the more likely to feature having trained this week following a calf injury while leading scorer Fletcher will be assessed later today.
The Scot was forced off at half-time in last weekend's defeat by Norwich with an ankle problem and saw a specialist this week. Captain Lee Cattermole is expected to be out for another two months after damaging knee ligaments. Rafa Benitez could be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard and captain John Terry for the first time since he took charge. Lampard is back in training following his calf problems and Terry is nearing his return following his knee surgery - neither were risked midweek, but both are in contention.
Daniel Sturridge looks set to make the squad after over two weeks out injured. The England striker had a hamstring problem, but he looks set to give Benitez an extra attacking option.Defender John O'Shea and striker Steven Fletcher are both in contention for the clash with Chelsea.
O'Shea is the more likely to feature having trained this week following a calf injury while leading scorer Fletcher will be assessed later today. The Scot was forced off at half-time in last weekend's defeat by Norwich with an ankle problem and saw a specialist this week.
Captain Lee Cattermole is expected to be out for another two months after damaging knee ligaments.Rafa Benitez could be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard and captain John Terry for the first time since he took charge. Lampard is back in training following his calf problems and Terry is nearing his return following his knee surgery - neither were risked midweek, but both are in contention. Daniel Sturridge looks set to make the squad after over two weeks out injured. The England striker had a hamstring problem, but he looks set to give Benitez an extra attacking option.
Source: team_talk
