Alex makes his first team return tonight, and is determined to show Carlo Ancelotti what he has been missing.

The popular centre-half has not played in a competitive game since the FA Cup Final in May, and has sat out the last three months due to groin surgery.

Now he is ready for a comeback, and tonight's Carling Cup match against Bolton Wanderers represents a perfect opportunity for the manager to take a look at the giant Brazilian, who has found watching from the stands a frustrating exercise.

'I have seen every game, I have told my friends and my father, "I want to play," and he said back that he wants to see me play and so my family will be at the game, they are here now so I am very happy,' smiled the 27-year-old after training yesterday.

'I am excited to play again, the team has played well in my absence. I saw the last game against Blackburn and the team played very well, and had the chance to score even more goals than five. This season we have the qualities to win the Premier League and maybe one of the other competitions.'

With competition throughout the squad, defence is no different and the former PSV man knows he will have to outdo both Ricardo Carvalho and Branislav Ivanovic if he is to partner John Terry at the heart of defence on a regular basis.

'I know I will need to do well, I have had almost three months out. Maybe on Wednesday I can play and I will do my best to stay in the team for the rest of the season,' he confirmed.

'I played last week for the reserve team against West Ham and it is very difficult to play that first one, so I hope I can start strongly against Bolton. They have often played the long ball which will make it difficult for us.

'It will be a physical game, they have strong strikers who jump very well, so we will have to be very good to defend against this.'

It will be an unfamiliar looking backline at Stamford Bridge this evening, with opportunities presented to those who have not been playing regularly - Hilario, Juliano Belletti, Ivanovic, Alex and Paulo Ferreira making up the back five.

Elsewhere in the side there are opportunities for Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge up front, while the midfield oozes experience as Michael Ballack, Deco, Florent Malouda and Joe Cole start.

Tickets are now sold out but you can follow the match live on Chelsea Mobile.