Coach Avram Grant lost the Portuguese defender with a back injury in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday and is set to learn the extent of the damage.

Carvalho has already joined captain John Terry, goalkeeper Petr Cech and full-back Paulo Ferreira in the Chelsea treatment room.

However, Grant confirmed left-back Ashley Cole - not even on the bench against Everton - will be fit for England's forthcoming internationals.

overhead kick

Grant said: "We have too many injuries. It is not easy to play without all the back four and goalkeeper from the last few months. But this is the reason we have a big squad, but it is unusual.

"Chelsea have the best two left-backs in England, and Ashley Cole is fit for England."

Didier Drogba headed Chelsea in front against Everton at Stamford Bridge but Tim Cahill equalised with a superb overhead kick late on.