The injured list shortened considerably during the last week and Felipe Scolari has not ruled out more good news from his medical department before Sunday, but Didier Drogba will not face Liverpool.

Ashley Cole began training today [Friday] following his hamstring tear but on Drogba, recovering from the ankle and knee damage he suffered at the beginning of the month, Scolari said:

'He needs a minimum of one week or 10 days more.'

Looking longer term, the Chelsea manager was prepared to issue some promising news.

'I think Michael Essien will come to play with us one month before the doctors said he would. I see him every day work hard and if God helps me, I think Essien is with us in the last days in January.'

Mineiro, the Brazilian midfielder signed to help cover for the Essien absence arrived today at Cobham, having worked on his fitness at a former club in Brazil. He may be available next weekend.

Liverpool have reported that Fernando Torres will definitely miss Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. His fellow striker Robbie Keane is a doubt but Steven Gerrrard and Xabi Alonso, withdrawn during the midweek Champions League game, are fit to play.