Cech set for Chelsea return

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to return from a calf injury when the Londoners continue their Premier League title quest away to bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Cech has been out of action for nearly a month after suffering the injury in the Blues’ 2-1 Champions League loss away to Inter Milan.

Reserve keeper Hilario is out of contention with a groin strain while Branislav Ivanovic, Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa (all knee) are sidelined as is England full-back Ashley Cole (ankle).

Chelsea’s 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers on Sunday left them third in the table, four points behind leaders and reigning champions Manchester United.