Kuqi has turned his fortunes around at Selhurst Park after being placed on the transfer list last year by Warnock for making an offensive gesture at Palace fans, who cheered his substitution following a poor performance in the 2-0 defeat against Wolves.

BBC: Kuqi offered new deal at Palace

Chelsea trailed 1-0 at the break after a disappointing first-half performance, prompting Ancelotti to make a triple substitution at the restart with Kakuta, Jeffrey Bruma and Didier Drogba coming on.

BBC: Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti defends cup team selection