Midfielder Velice Sumulikoski will make a surprise return to action when the Blues travel to Deepdale to face Preston on Saturday. The Macedonian had been expected to miss the rest of the season due to a torn artery in his leg, but the club sought a second opinion and the 27-year-old has been given the all-clear to play.

Boss Jim Magilton said: "Our medical team have gauged the opinion of one of the top specialists around and he is happy for Shumi to play on, which is great news for us and especially for the lad.

"He trained fully on Thursday and as long as there are no further problems in training, he will be in the frame for the Preston game.”

Physio Matt Byard explained the situation more fully: "The early indication was that surgery would be needed, but we took Shumi to see a London specialist, who carried out a thorough examination and says that the healing process in his shin is already well underway.

"The specialist is one of the top vascular surgeons in the country and has a team working under him, one of which is a consultant for Chelsea. He is happy for Shumi to carry on playing and obviously that's great news for the player and the club.”

Striker Shefki Kuqi also came through Thursday training without a problem and will be assessed again today and tomorrow morning before any decision is made on whether he will be in Saturday's 16.

Photo: Action Images

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