QPR will be without a host of first-team players.
Akos Buzsaky is struggling to feature at Loftus Road with an Achilles injury, while Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Connolly and Heidar Helguson are also doubts.
Strikers Jay Bothroyd (groin) and DJ Campbell (hamstring) are definitely sidelined, while Armand Traore and Adel Taarabt are on international duty.
New signing Taye Taiwo is also unavailable as he waits for his work permit to be rubber-stamped, although Nedum Onuoha could make his debut.
John Terry is set to start for the Blues.
The England captain is set to come face to face with Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand for the first time since October's controversial Premier League game between the sides.
Frank Lampard will miss the match at Loftus Road with the calf tear he suffered at Norwich on Saturday, while John Obi Mikel remains out with a hamstring problem.
QPR (from): Kenny, Cerny, Murphy, Gabbidon, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Connolly, Hall, Hill, Orr, Young, Derry, Barton, Buzsaky, Smith, Mackie, Helguson, Wright-Phillips, Hulse, Macheda.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cahill, Hutchinson, Cole, Romeu, Ramires, Essien, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, Torres, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.
