Tony Pulis has ruled out the possibility of Matthew Upson making his Stoke debut.
The former West Ham defender, who joined the Potters this week, is not yet ready for competitive action, but fellow new signing Jonathan Woodgate could feature.
Stoke boss Pulis is hopeful Rory Delap (hamstring) and Matthew Etherington (rib) will overcome niggles but Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe and Danny Higginbotham are long-term absentees.
Chelsea are optimistic Fernando Torres will be fit.
Torres suffered some memory loss after being concussed in Spain's friendly defeat in Italy on Wednesday but is expected to be available for selection at the Britannia Stadium.
Romelu Lukaku could be in the squad but Daniel Sturridge is suspended, David Luiz is out, Branislav Ivanovic is doubtful and Michael Essien is long-term injured.
Stoke (from): Begovic, Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shotton, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Collins, Wilson, Pugh, Whitehead, Diao, Delap, Whelan, Pennant, Etherington, Jones, Walters.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, McEachran, Lampard, Ramires, Benayoun, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Lukaku, Hilario, Turnbull.
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk