Spurs keeper Robinson could return for derby clash

Ramos was quick to insist that his decision to replace Robinson - who was said to be "devastated" by the news - with Radek Cerny, did not mean his Spurs career was over.

 "There are 24 to 25 players in the squad and they all have to play at some point," Ramos said.

 "He's a good goalkeeper, which he has demonstrated. We all know what a good goalkeeper he is."

   Chelsea have goalkeeping issues of their own, with Petr Cech still injured.

 Carlo Cudicini, his usual deputy, returned to the bench for Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Everton, but manager Avram Grant may be forced to stick with the unreliable Hilario.

 Injuries keep John Terry and Frank Lampard out of the side, while this is the Premier League's first weekend without any of the 40 African players who are heading off to Ghana for the African Cup of Nations, depriving Chelsea of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Mikel Jon Obi.

 "I don't think my absence should really affect our chances although I'd have loved to be a part of the team now," said Drogba, who made his own comeback from injury in last Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup third round victory over QPR.

 "I am happy other players are scoring in every game. Therefore Drogba's absence does not make Chelsea weak in attack."

   The truth, though, is that Chelsea badly miss their talisman and, six points behind leaders Arsenal, their title hopes are fading fast.

 Arsenal themselves host Birmingham, while Manchester United in second face Newcastle United in their first game since they parted company with manager Sam Allardyce.

 At the bottom, Derby County manager Paul Jewell will be looking to derail the resurgence of his former club Wigan Athletic, who have lost just twice in eight games since the appointment of Steve Bruce, lifting them to fourth bottom.

 Derby are likely to hand a debut to Robbie Savage, who was signed from Blackburn this week.

 He admits his new side, who are ten points adrift at the bottom, are playing largely for pride.

 "If we can win a few more and go down fighting and not with a whimper, that will count for a lot," he said.

DPA