Schalke vs. Chelsea: Preview and TV schedule

Chelsea have no problems trashing Steaua Bucharest in their last Champions League match, though come up against much sterner opponents on Tuesday evening. This game away at Schalke 04 is the toughest they'll face in the group stages, with the German side currently topping the group with two wins from their opening couple of matches. The Blues are currently three points in arrears, after the shock opening day defeat to Basel.

However, Chelsea should benefit from Schalke's fairly massive injury list, with a whole host of players unavailable. Key first-teamers like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Jefferson Farfán, Marco Höger and Jermaine Jones are all unavailable, while Kevin-Prince Boateng will have to pass a late fitness test if he's going to make the team.

Chelsea have comparatively few injury concerns, though will be without long-term injured Marco van Ginkel. He's sidelined with Ashley Cole, whose rib injury has rendered him unavailable, while Michael Essien is ineligible. André Schürrle came back off international duty with a slight muscular problem, though could still play a part.

Out: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (knee), Jefferson Farfán (hamstring), Marco Höger (knee), Kyriakos Papadopoulos (match fitness), Chinedu Obasi (match fitness), Anthony Annan (match fitness), Jermaine Jones (knee). In doubt: Kevin-Prince Boateng (knee).

Schalke: Timo Hildebrand; Dennis Aogo, Benedikt Höwedes, Felipe Santana, Atsuto Uchida; Roman Neustädter, Leon Goretzka; Julian Draxler, Max Meyer, Christian Clemens; Ádám Szalai

Chelsea: Petr Čech; Ryan Bertrand, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović; Frank Lampard, Ramires; Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata; Fernando Torres

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