Hasselbaink will plead innocence

Chelsea today confirmed that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is to plead not guilty to Football Association charges that he elbowed Southampton's Claus Lundekvam.

The FA hit the Dutch striker with a misconduct charge after studying video evidence of the Premiership game at Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day.

The FA's video advisory panel decided that Hasselbaink's use of the elbow had not been accidental but Chelsea's managing director Colin Hutchinson said the player would strenuously deny the accusations.

Hutchinson said: "Jimmy denies the charge and is asking for a personal hearing."

Hasselbaink has already received two red cards this season but both have been expunged from the records books after video evidence.

Meanwhile, Mario Melchiot's three-match ban will stand after the FA rejected his appeal against the red card he collected against Tottenham in the Worthington Cup semi-final second leg.

Chelsea lost the game 5-1 and, although Hasselbaink was dismissed by referee Mark Halsey, TV pictures clearly showed it was Melchiot who was guilty of pushing Teddy Sheringham in the face.

The FA subsequently transferred the card to Dutch defender Melchiot.

Chelsea travel to Leicester tomorrow hoping to build on their fine win against Leeds in midweek.

They remain without Boudewijn Zenden who is still recovering from the gashed leg he received against Spurs in the Worthington Cup. William Gallas is a major doubt with a knee problem, while Celestine Babayaro is still on international duty with Nigeria.

Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri said that Hasselbaink is "desperate" to finish as the country's leading scorer for the second consecutive season.

He has scored 16 times in the Premiership this season - equal with Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy and two behind leading marksman Thierry Henry of Arsenal.

Ranieri said: "He desperately wants to win the 'top scorer' chart again this season. It is very important to him and a good motivation.

"Of course, he is a very dangerous player but he also has a good character and is an example to his teammates. That is very important for the squad."

Gianfranco Zola is looking to make his 250th appearance for the club after being kept on the bench during the midweek win against Leeds.