Injuries and the draining effects of momentous international matches - just two of the reasons why a squad with quality in depth is essential for a push for major honours.

In the last month there has been a rapid turnover of players used in the Chelsea defence with little detriment to the ability to keep the ball from entering our net, especially at home where the shut-out is reaching record-breaking proportions.

Alex's return from injury three-and-a-half weeks ago was timed well with the demands of the season beginning to bite into the squad.

It remains to be seen if the Brazilian will start on Saturday against Wolves but with Branislav Ivanovic one of the players used at right-back since Jose Bosingwa's injury, and Alex able to train at Cobham all the while colleagues have been playing for their nations overseas, the chance must be a good one.

He has played two 90 minute games this season so far, 4-0 against Bolton in the Carling Cup and a 2-2 draw away to Atlético Madrid, plus a late introduction against Manchester United a fortnight ago.

'I am feeling good and I am very happy with my fitness,' reports Alex, now totally over the groin surgery that kept him out of the start of the season.

'The last 20 minutes in Madrid I was very tired but I was so happy that I come back to play and I think in my opinion that I played good. We drew 2-2 but it was okay, a good result. [Sergio] Aguero was difficult and his second goal, the free-kick, was a very good goal.

'I don't know if I will play but I hope to help the team on Saturday, or the next games after that.'

When it comes to dealing with Wolves' 6ft 8in forward Stefan Maierhofer (pictured below), a summer signing from Austria, it is hard to imagine the presence of Alex weakening Chelsea's ability to cope.

It's a defence he believes is brimming with confidence after recent results, no matter which players are selected.

'We have a good group and Ivanovic has worked very well when he plays on the right side. All the defenders play very well and help the team. The defence I think now is the best in the world. They mark very well, position very well and we train every day well to put that on the pitch for the game.

'We won 1-0 against Manchester United last game and it was a difficult game but it was good. Now we have more confidence, five points in the lead at the top, and now we have to continue.'

The big screens inside the stadium and the TV screens in the concourses of the stands will be showing the early match between Liverpool and Man City. It is recommended anyone attending Chelsea's match arrives at the stadium at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off, at which time queuing is limited to only a few minutes.