Chelsea are likely to be without defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda for their FA Cup third round tie against Southend.

Both players collected hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage and are very doubtful.

Michael Essien is still out with a knee ligament problem but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again following an eight-week spell out of action with knee and hamstring injuries.

Michael Ballack is suspended after collecting five yellow cards, while captain John Terry sits out the final game of a three-match ban.

Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Carvalho, A Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Deco, Obi, Kalou, Stoch, Drogba, Anelka, J Cole, Belletti, Mineiro, Di Santo.