The Chelsea team tonight is:

Aldi Haxhia, Nana Ofori-Twumasi, Ricardo Carvalho, Carl Magnay, Patrick van Aanholt, Michael Essien, Jacob Mellis, Liam Bridcutt ©, Miroslav Stoch, Frank Nouble, Lee Sawyer.

Subs: Sam Walker, Tom Taiwo, Nikki Ahamed, Ben Gordon, Adam Phillip

Great to have both Riccy and Essien back now and I hope they will be ready to play for the first team soon.

Edit: Forgot to mention it was the reserves who play, but perhaps that was obvious

Edited March 2, 200917 yr by ethicalstrategy

looks like Stoch has lost out on the first team squad to Quaresma

Will be watching with intent! Come on Essieeeeeeeeeeeeen!

losing 3-2 at half time

How have Essien and Carvalho looked?

I don't think either of them pulled up any trees but they both got through unscathed, which I guess is the main object of the exercise.

Riccy played about 60 minutes before being substituted and Essien played the full 90. It looked as though Essien wasn't busting a gut but trying to work himself up to full fitness.

Once he's fully fit then hopefully he'll replace the lethargic Ballack asap!

Why was the youth team keeper playing? Anyone know?

Why was the youth team keeper playing? Anyone know?

Says on the official site that both the usual reserve keepers were injured.