Oct 14: Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri is hoping his side can recover from their international weekend exertions in time to face Birmingham on Tuesday. Ranieri's side can go top of the Premiership with a win at St Andrews, but their preparations have been upset by so many of his squad being away on duty for their countries.
Ranieri said, "Birmingham are a good side in good condition - but then so are Chelsea. We have William Gallas back fit and we are ready."

Chelsea, currently third in the table, will not allow dangerous Finland striker Mikael Forssell - on loan at Birmingham - to turn out for the Midlands side.
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is looking forward to seeing his side pit their wits against Ranieri's big-spending outfit. But it is a player who cost the Stamford Bridge club nothing and Bruce once tried to sign who has really caught his eye.
"I first saw John Terry in a youth game four years ago and I thought he was exceptional then," Bruce said.

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"We were very close to getting him on loan at Huddersfield, but he went to Nottingham Forest instead."

Terry was a central part of England's successful rearguard against Turkey at the weekend after stepping in for the absent Rio Ferdinand.
Bureau Report