Andy Carroll looks set to step into the action tonight for the first time in a month.

Carroll has been out injured with a groin injury since scoring in the 3-1 defeat of Southampton at St Mary’s on February 4 but all the signs appear positive for the Chelsea match.

With only Jonathon Calleri available beyond himself since the apparent demotion of Ashley Fletcher, the Geordie’s fitness is incredibly important, given Michail Antonio’s absence through injury.

And reports this morning are that there have been no setbacks in training and that he “should be okay” to take his place in the side from the start.

Slaven Bilic has to decide whether he will give him some support up front and Andre Ayew looks the most likely candidate to do so if that’s the way the manager decides to go.

Antonio is only ruled out for the one game and is filly expected to return to the side for the visit to Bournemouth at the weekend.