German midfielder Michael Ballack returns to the Chelsea squad for the first time since April after recovering from two operations on his ankle.

Midfielder Ballack's return is tempered with the loss of captain John Terry with fractured bones in his foot following the defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Defender Ricardo Carvalho is fit for inclusion in Grant's squad, which is still without knee injury victim Didier Drogba.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Wednesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea with a stomach bug.

The England player's illness makes a return for Xabi Alonso all the more likely after a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.

The Spaniard has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.

Manager Rafael Benitez told the club website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.

"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."

Benitez may be tempted to shuffle his pack following the defeat by Manchester United at the weekend.

Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.