With the Chelsea squad depleted of midfielders, Deco has made a timely confirmation of his availability ahead of the visit from Stoke.

Suspension prevents Carlo Ancelotti from naming either Michael Ballack or Juliano Belletti in his side today. Michael Essien remains out injured and if Florent Malouda continues at left-back, he makes it four absent from the potential midfield selection.

Deco, who last played in the 1-1 draw at Hull two days into February, told Chelsea TV that he is off the missing list having recovered from a knee problem.

'I feel well. Last week I trained hard and now I am training with the group and I am fine,' the Portuguese international said.

'We have been without other players during the international break this week but the young guys who are training with Chelsea are very good. We trained with them, they trained very well and it was okay.'

During his time out the side Chelsea lost three out of six games and there were stories that Deco wants to leave the club at the end of the season. He is relaxed about both subjects.

'Against Inter, Chelsea did a good job. We played well and played better than them, but against Man City we didn't do well but we had many injured players and that is difficult for us, but I think in the rest of the season we will be fine.

'I am happy because Chelsea is a big club, I have many friends here and I enjoy being here. I had some problems in Brazil but it is personal problems with my family and without these I am happy here.'

After the game there is 'Extra Time at the Bridge' on Chelsea TV. The programme starts at 6.30pm on Sunday. Phone or email in your thoughts on the match.