Lamps has been out with a thigh injury but is back in full training and is expected to be declared fit for the visit of the fourth-placed side to Stamford Bridge.
However the timing of his recovery means he has failed to make Fabio Capello's first England squad to face Switzerland on Wednesday.
With Mikel returning from the African Cup of Nations this week, manager/coach Avram Grant will face the first major selection test of his tenure as Chelsea boss.
The midfield will be one of the fiecely contested areas and Lampard must be concerned that he won't be an automatic selection as he was under "he, who must not be named" - Jose Mourinho.
Claude Makelele and Michael Ballack have played well and Maka can expect to be rested. But Lampard would not be a direct replacement.
If Grant takes the easy option and plays Lamps instead of Maka , Chelsea may lose the vital balance which has seen them win nine out of their last 10 matches.
With Kalou, Drogba and Essien returning within weeks, Grant's managerial expertise will be called into question for the first time.
With Shevchenko due to be available soon, Grant will have to choose between Drogab, Anelka, Sheva, Kalou and Pizzaro in attack.
One or even two out of five will not go.
Will John Terry reclaim his place in the back?
Chelsea's so-called "togetherness" is about to be tested.
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