Yuri Zhirkov risks a further setback to his Chelsea career by playing for Russia in tonight's World Cup playoff with Slovenia.

Injury to left-back Ashley Cole could give Zhirkov the chance to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, but the 25-year-old must first come through the second-leg of Russia's World Cup qualification play-off.

"I will not hide that my right knee continues to bother me," said Zhirkov in the run-up to the game in Maribor, for which Russia hold a 2-1 lead.

"The pain goes away and then reappears. Hopefully I will be all right.

"I am always happy to help the (national) team. Before the match at the Luzhniki I said that I was ready. Fortunately, the coaches trusted me with a place in the team.

"Of course, I want very much to play as soon as possible for Chelsea. I'll do everything I can."