The Blues’ squad has been restricted due to fitness issues.
A congested fixture list over Christmas has been wrecking havoc on Premier League squads and Chelsea are the latest to suffer injury setbacks.
Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic will miss the New Year’s Day clash with Southampton at St Mary’s due to problems, reports the Mirror.
Lampard and Ivanovic both picked up the knocks during the 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, with the midfielder struggling with a muscle concern and the Serbian out with a knee injury.
The problems don’t stop there for manager Jose Mourinho however as David Luiz – who deputised as a midfielder in the triumph over the Reds – picked up a fifth yellow card of the season at the weekend and will also sit out the tie in Hampshire.
It means that Ashley Cole is likely to be drafted back into the side after losing the England international’s place at left-back to Cesar Azpilicueta, whilst the Spaniard goes to the right.
Ramires is back after the Brazilian served a one game ban and is likely to be put straight back into the starting XI.
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