Everton manager David Moyes has admitted there is only a slim chance midfielders Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman will be fit to face Chelsea.

Arteta is out with stomach muscle problems while Osman is recovering from a hamstring strain.

It means Everton are expected to choose from the same squad on duty in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Birmingham City.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard needs one more clean sheet to equal Neville Southall's record of 15 for a league season.

Chelsea coach Avram Grant is sweating on the fitness of Didier Drogba and the availability of Frank Lampard for the vital Barclays Premier League match with Everton at Goodison Park.

Striker Drogba is struggling with a knee problem while Lampard missed the draw with Wigan Athletic on Monday night to be with his mother Pat who is in hospital suffering from pneumonia.

Petr Cech, who returned to action against Wigan wearing a chin strap to protect 50 stitches in a facial wound, will retain his place in goal.