Chelsea could be without Frank Lampard for Thursday's must-win clash with Everton at Goodison Park, as the England midfielder takes time out to be with family.

The club's leading scorer withdrew from the side held 1-1 by Wigan on Monday, after hearing his mother had fallen ill.

Petr Cech will continue in goal as Avram Grant's team seek to keep alive their Premier League title hopes.

The Czech international emerged unscathed from Monday's game, just a week after a training ground clash left him requiring 50 stitches to his chin.

Striker Didier Drogba is doubtful, however, with Grant unlikely to jeopardise his chances of playing in the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool unless he's fully fit.

Anything less than victory for Chelsea - coupled with a win for Manchester United against Blackburn on Saturday - will leave United requiring just a draw to retain the Premier League title when the two teams meet at Stamford Bridge on April 26.

For Everton, Everton manager David Moyes says there is only a slim chance midfielders Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman will be fit.

Arteta is out with stomach muscle problems while Osman is recovering from a hamstring strain.

Tim Cahill, James Vaughan and Andy Van der Meyde remain on the casualty list for David Moyes's side, who will move within two points of Liverpool in fourth place with a win - and breathe life into their drive for the final Champions League spot.

Everton's miserly defence have conceded just six times in 2008, the best record in the Premier League, and are unbeaten at home in seven games - their last defeat came in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea on January 23.

In an interesting aside, Everton have not been awarded a single penalty all season in the Premier League.

Will Tidey / Eurosport