Younes Kaboul, another January signing, is available after being ineligible for the FA Cup win over Leeds in midweek, with Kyle Walker in contention after returning from a loan spell at Sheffield United.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Aaron Lennon, Jonathan Woodgate (all groin) are out, while Carlo Cudicini (wrists and pelvis) is a long-term absentee. Ledley King will need a late test on his knee.

Provisional squad: Gomes, Alnwick, Corluka, Walker, Bale, Kaboul, King, Bassong, Dawson, Palacios, Jenas, Huddlestone, Gudjohnsen, Modric, Kranjcar, Bentley, Defoe, Crouch, Rose, Giovani.