Premier League leaders Chelsea expect to welcome back Ivory Coast strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for Tuesday night's trip to Hull.

The duo have returned from the African Nations Cup, but were not considered for the match at Burnley on Saturday.

The Blues will check on the fitness of left-back Ashley Cole (ankle), while Ricardo Carvalho is set to partner captain John Terry in the centre of defence after being rested on the bench at Turf Moor.

Midfielder Michael Essien is out with a knee injury along, while Juliano Belletti (calf) is also sidelined.

Blues (from): Cech, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Deco, Ivanovic, Malouda, Zhirkov, Lampard, J Cole, Sturridge, Ballack, Anelka, Carvalho, Ferreira, Turnbull, Matic, Borini, Drogba, Kalou.