Chelsea have been boosted by the news that African trio Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel are allowed to feature in Monday's league game with Fulham. The trio was exceptionally permitted to delay joining their respective national teams ahead of next month's African Cup of Nations in Angola. Ivory Coast duo Drogba and Kalou are both tipped to start against the Cottagers, with Nicolas Anelka sidelined. Nigeria midfielder Mikel is also likely to fill in the defensive-midfielder position in place of the injured Michael Essien. Chelsea are set to miss four of their players, including Ghana ace Essien, during the African showdown next month.