Carvalho, sidelined since the beginning of October with a knee injury, looks certain to return for the FA Cup third-round home tie with Southend.

His return to full fitness will be a timely boost for Scolari who now accepts he will have to sell players to finance any additions to a squad that, despite Nicolas Anelka's 16 goals this season, looks decidedly short on firepower.

The imminent return of Carvalho has already prompted Chelsea to extend the loan of England Under-21 international Michael Mancienne to Wolves until the end of January, but more significantly it may well prove to be the catalyst for the sale of Brazilian defender Alex.

Alex's future has been the centre of much attention in recent weeks after media reports suggested the player wanted to quit Stamford Bridge.

However, the defender has assured Scolari he wants to stay and Chelsea are quietly confident the public outbursts have been the work of Alex's representatives.

Alex narrowly escaped punishment from the Football Association after appearing to stamp on Everton's Tim Cahill in their stormy goalless draw at Goodison Park on Monday night.

The Football Association will not be taking action over the incident after referee Phil Dowd confirmed he would not have shown the player a red card had he seen the incident at the time.

It was some welcome news for Scolari who has already lost captain John Terry for three games after his red card in the same game against the Toffees.

But Scolari may now decide the sale of Alex is now the best option to fund the signing of a striker, with Inter Milan's Adriano reportedly the favoured choice.

Adriano is no longer in Jose Mourinho's plans and Chelsea's lack of strength in depth in attack has already been lamented by Scolari.

Yet the Brazilian is well aware of the club's stance on transfers in January and that is why he may be tempted to provide Alex with an escape route.

Chelsea can recall Mancienne at any time if they have further injuries but with Branislav Ivanovic, Terry and Carvalho, Scolari would have enough cover for the rest of the season.

However, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has made it clear he would like to keep Mancienne until the end of the season if possible.

"We are delighted to have extended the loan," he said. "We'll then wait and see what Chelsea decide in the window and it will be determined by that.

"If they feel they can leave him out and we can have him for the rest of the season then that's what we'll do because that can happen at any time in January.

"Or Chelsea might have a problem with any outgoings or injuries and if they want him back they'll have him on recall. I want to keep him, but it will be up to Chelsea as he's their player."

Meanwhile Scolari must decide whether to start Didier Drogba and Anelka together against relegation-haunted West Brom on Boxing Day.

Anelka is convinced they can form a potent partnership and Scolari has echoed his sentiments.

"He believes, I believe, all the people believe. They need training and need confidence," said Scolari.

"We discussed this week when one team play with two central defenders and two more in front, what can I do, what positions we use when we have the ball because we need to open this.

"They trained very well this week, all days, no injuries, no problem. They have more confidence with changes in the game than before. Now some players are ready completely."