Ricardo Carvalho is in a race against time to be fit to play in Chelsea's title decider against Bolton on Sunday.

The defender limped off against Newcastle on Monday after twice falling heavily on his back and received intensive treatment yesterday.

The Portugal international is still hopeful he can play at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea know a result better than Manchester United's at Wigan will see them crowned champions.

Carvalho has become a vital member of the first team. He has not been on the losing side for the last 42 League games he has played in, a run that stretches back to Chelsea's defeat away at Tottenham in November 2006. Salomon Kalou is also trying to recover from an ankle injury. Michael Ballack, meanwhile, looks set to be rewarded for his recent excellent form with a new contract.

Standard Sport revealed last month how the German wanted to end his career in west London and he will get his wish with an improved three-year deal.

Florent Malouda is another hoping to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. The winger has struggled to prove value for money since he joined from Lyon for £13.5million last summer and has spent long periods out of the team.

But the France international, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the campaign, featured in both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool and scored in the 2-0 victory at St James' Park on Monday.

He said: "I'm feeling good, my injuries are behind me and I'm happy to be back in the team."