Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear admits he could play Michael Owen from the start against Chelsea.
Kinnear created controversy last week by starting Owen on the bench for their draw with Wigan and had deny reports of a rift with his captain.
He told The Journal: "We have got three excellent strikers available for the trip to Chelsea and I've got a very difficult decision to make. Michael Owen is almost 100% fit and he came off the bench (against Wigan), scored and made life very tough for me in terms of the team I select to play against Chelsea.
"He answered us in the best possible way with the goal he scored, and he looked sharp when he came on for those 20 minutes. I've got to weigh up in my own mind what to do at Chelsea because it's a tough place to go.
"Michael definitely has a chance of starting the game, he is pushing hard for that with his work in training. We will have to see how he is at the end of the week. I'd like to have him in the starting line up, but I won't take any risks with his fitness.
"That is what I'm paid to do, make these decisions. I left Michael on the bench last weekend and I've been hammered for it in the media, but I've never been frightened to make tough calls if I think that's what's best for the team.
"Regardless of what people outside of the club might be saying, there is no problem between me and Michael and it annoys me that people are trying to drive a wedge between us."