Damien Duff was finally handed his first start of the season by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for today's Premiership clash against Middlesbrough at the Riverside (12.45).
Duff was one of three changes to the side held to a goalless draw by Tottenham last week, with William Gallas in at left-back due to both Wayne Bridge and Celestine Babayaro being out injured, while Alexei Smertin was preferred ahead of the benched Joe Cole.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren was forced to hand Doriva his first full outing with Gaizka Mendieta out with a calf injury and Szilard Nemeth sent home with a stomach upset.
McClaren also had problems at centre-back as Ugo Ehiogu was again out with his own calf problem while Chris Riggott was not risked with a thigh strain, meaning Colin Cooper was recalled as partner to skipper Gareth Southgate.