Yuri Zhirkov will start for Chelsea Football Club on Wednesday night.

The Russian international has been prevented from appearing for the Blues in competitive action since his summer arrival, due to a knee injury.

However, the 26-year-old is set to make his debut for the Londoners against Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup, in a game Joe Cole will also play in.

"We haven't finalised the side yet but Joe Cole and Zhirkov will both start, which is good news," said assistant boss Ray Wilkins. "They'll be very important players for us.”

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