Ancelotti plays down fitness concerns over key duo

Carlo Ancelotti has played down fitness concerns over Didier Drogba and Michael Essien and insists the pair will be fit for Sunday's Premier League trip to the Emirates to take on third-placed Arsenal.

The Chelsea duo have been included in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash against FC Porto but will be on the bench as Ancelotti shufffles his pack.

The Blues, who won the home fixture 1-0, are 6/4 favourites in Stan James match betting, with the Portuguese giants available at 15/8 and the draw at 11/5.

Essien scored twice in the 4-0 win over Wolves but is struggling with a knee problem, while Drogba has been suffering with a chest complaint.

Ancelotti though insists they will be fine for Sunday but is going to bring back Michael Ballack and Deco after injury, as well as Ricardo Carvalho who was rested at the weekend.

"We are in Portugal and Carvalho and Deco will play," the Italian tactician said.

"The players who did not play against Wolves will play - Branislav Ivanovic, Deco, Ballack, Carvalho.

"I don't know about Drogba. He is well but I prefer to keep him on the bench.

"Essien has a little problem on his knee. I prefer to keep him on the bench but it will not be a problem for Sunday against Arsenal."

Chelsea hold an eight-point advantage over the Gunners, having played a game more, but the home side are slender favourites at 6/4 in Stan James match betting, with the Blues at 8/5 and the draw at 11/5.