Shock return for Cech

Cech trained successfully with a mask over the weekend to cover the large wound in his lip and chin and he will be allowed to wear it in the crunch Premier League game at Stamford Bridge. It means the 25-year-old will have plenty of protection as he still wears a helmet from fracturing his skull last season.

If Cech hadn't made it tonight, manager Avram Grant would have had to play third-choice keeper Hilario and risk having 18-year-old Rhys Taylor on the bench as No2 Carlo Cudicini is out for four weeks with a hamstring injury.

It will be Cech's first appearance for six weeks, having also been out with an ankle injury, and will lift Chelsea's hopes of beating Manchester United to the title.

The champions' victory over Arsenal yesterday was a major blow to Chelsea, who now trail by six points, and it has put great pressure on Grant's side to beat Wigan tonight and Everton on Thursday in two televised games.

The closeness of the fixtures will put the squad under strain, but Chelsea captain John Terry says they are up for the challenge.

The 27-year-old, chasing his third Premier League winner's medal, said: "Sometimes people can take for granted these occasions but these opportunities don't just happen every year. Only 10 years ago they didn't happen at this club so it's special.

"We haven't taken our opportunities this season in the Carling Cup and FA Cup, but we've given ourselves a chance in the League. We have been playing some terrific football recently. The challenge is to play it for 90 minutes." Like Terry, Grant is also upbeat about their title chances but knows his side must maintain their strong league form since December. Grant said: "We are at the end of the season, we have come so far and we are so close and we don't want to miss it.

"I think, if we win every game, we will win the title. It is not easy to win all your games. I don't think Manchester United can do it. If I am not positive in this position then it is time for me to quit. I will not say we are the best in the world, even if we want to be, but I don't see another team stronger than us when we have all our players."

Grant may decide to rotate his squad with two games in four days and it may provide a rare start for striker Nicolas Anelka.

The French international has played second fiddle to Didier Drogba since joining from Bolton for £15m in January, but hasn't caused a fuss because he knows things will change next term. Anelka claims Grant has already reassured him that Chelsea will play a more attacking formation next season and said: "My status does not annoy me too much. The coach explained to me Chelsea are used to playing 4-5-1 and that he intends to go 4-4-2 next year.

"We have important and close games. He did not wish to destabilise the group and change tactics. It has to be accepted."