Cole back for Valencia clash

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Blues boss Jose Mourinho said earlier this season he feared the England midfielder would miss out for the remainder of the campaign with a stress fracture of the foot.

The 25-year-old former West Ham player told Chelsea TV: "I feel really happy to be back.

"There are always little niggles when you come back - I got one before the Watford game so we erred on the side of caution and I didn't come back.

"But I feel fine now, for the first time this season.

"When I came back last time (after a knee injury, last year) I was feeling it but now I feel my body is so close to being absolutely perfect.

"I've been out a long time but hopefully I can hit the ground running.

"I'll do what I can, even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes."

But his return is bittersweet with Arjen Robben out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

England left-back Wayne Bridge is fit again after knee surgery.

Provisional squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Terry, Carvalho, Bridge, A Cole, Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, J Cole.