Desailly, Gallas in line for Chelsea return

French defenders Marcel Desailly and William Gallas are in contention for Chelsea's trip to Birmingham tomorrow night after missing…

French defenders Marcel Desailly and William Gallas are in contention for Chelsea's trip to Birmingham tomorrow night after missing out for their country through injuries at the weekend.

Gallas is recovering from a shin injury; Desailly has a back problem.

France manager Jacques Santini's decision not to risk them in Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier may give Chelsea chief Claudio Ranieri the option to play both tomorrow and rest John Terry after his England exertions in Turkey.

Romania striker Adrian Mutu is likely to replace Eidur Gudjohnsen up front where Hernan Crespo may also get the vote over Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Juan Sebastian Veron and Geremi could return in midfield but Emmanuel Petit (knee) and Celestine Babayaro (hamstring) are still out.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter