Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is ready to hand Joe Cole an unexpected start in their Champions League clash with Apoel Nicosia.

The Sun says Ancelotti's injury-ravaged side arrived here late last night for their match with Apoel.

And while Ashley Cole did make the trip despite a knee problem, Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel stayed at home.

That leaves a gap in the Blues midfield and Cole is ready to make only his second start in nearly 10 months after a knee injury.

He played in Chelsea's Carling Cup win over QPR last Wednesday midweek then missed Saturday's Wigan defeat with a cold.

But Cole is raring to go having last appeared in the Champions League against FCR Cluj in December.

He is likely to start in a reorganised midfield with Juliano Belletti also in contention to play anchor.