Didier Drogba is likely to make his return to the Chelsea starting line-up for the first time in six weeks as manager Luiz Felipe Scolari makes numerous changes ahead of the Carling Cup clash with Burnley.

The Ivorian has been missing from the Blues' team since 1 October when he injured his knee in a Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj.

Drogba's injury gave Nicolas Anelka the chance to regularly feature for the London side and he has made the most of it, scoring 11 goals so far this season.

"Hopefully Didier faces quite a fight to get back into the side because that's what being at a big club is all about," said Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins.

"Didier trained very well on Monday and so he's back in the squad. That's very pleasant from our situation.

"We do have Nicolas in fantastic form, so with Didier breathing down his neck to have a game it is lovely.

"I am sure there is a very healthy rivalry between the two guys as to who will score the most goals and I do think they can play together.

"At the moment Felipe is managing to get the best out of Nic. The player has worked extremely hard to get himself in this situation so we must give him a lot of respect for what he's done.

"I think Nic has had a few arms round the shoulder from Felipe, a few chats and he's been told just exactly what's required of him.

"Nic has different attributes to Didier. His pace can take him beyond defenders in a flash. If you were to blend the two of them together you would have the best striker in world football."