Demba Ba could play for Chelsea against Wigan this weekend, despite breaking his nose last weekend.

The Senegalese international striker was in doubt for the match against the Latics, after a sickening collision with Newcastle stopper Fabio Coloccini left his nose shattered.

But after having a special protective mask fitted to his face in Milan, Ba trained with the Blues on Thursday.

And while he may not start the match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Rafa Benitez will be able to call on the muscular marksman if necessary.

Fernando Torres is likely to lead the line against the Latics, and Benitez will be desperate for his former golden boy at Liverpool to get his name on the scoresheet.

After Chelsea’s late implosion against the Magpies, Rafa is believed to be on thin ice.

And the bookies have made him the odds-on favourite to be the next sacked Premier League manager, if the Blues go down to Wigan.