The 36-year-old is likely to be included as manager Chris Hughton uses the depth of his squad at Stamford Bridge.

Tim Krul will start in goal with Steve Harper facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder ligament injury, and Swedish youngster Ole Soderberg will provide the back-up.

Leon Best (ankle) returns to the squad, while Danny Simpson (also ankle) and Danny Guthrie (knee) are back in training, but full-back James Perch is suspended after picking up five bookings in as many games.

Steven Taylor (shoulder) is expected to resume in three weeks' time, but Dan Gosling (knee) is still some way away.

Team (from): Krul, Soderberg, R. Taylor, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Campbell, Kadar, Smith, Tiote, Barton, Routledge, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Nolan, Carroll, Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Ranger, Best.