Chelsea have recalled Michael Mancienne from his Molineux loan spell and he is expected to be in the Londoners squad for their FA Cup tie against Southend tomorrow.

As revealed last week, Michael's emergency loan spell at Wolves had been due to be extended to January 29, but the completion of the paperwork was suspended as Chelsea reviewed their options following injury and suspension worries.

As a result, the Premier League club have now recalled the England-under-21 defender who could make his debut for the Blues tomorrow.

Michael has made eight full appearances and two from the bench since making his Wolves debut as a substitute against Swansea at the end of October.

He has produced some impressive performances in the heart of the defence and shortly after his arrival was selected for the full England squad, eventually acting as an unused substitute in the friendly win in Germany.

Manager Mick McCarthy said today: "We always knew that Michael wouldn't be able to play for us in the FA Cup because Chelsea wouldn't want him cup tied.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens now."