Chelsea FC team news: Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole rested
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has rested Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole ahead of their away match in the UEFA Champions League with Olympique de Marseille.
Ancelotti has given the players a break, keeping in mind Chelsea’s tough trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday in the English Premier League.
Carlo’s men have secured qualification into the next round of the Champions league as winners of Group F and have won all of their 5 matches so far. However, it is the domestic form that has created troubles for the west Londoners,
where they have managed to record just 1 win in last 5 matches.
In a season where Chelsea have missed their fringe players due to different injury problems, Cole and Anelka have been a figure of consistency for the Blues. Ashley has played in all league games for Chelsea, while Nicolas has
only missed 2 matches in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, England international Frank Lampard continues to be out of action due to a groin injury and he is expected to be back before Chelsea’s home match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Midfielder, Yuri Zhirkov is also unavailable for selection as the Russian is recuperating from his calf injury. Central defender Alex, is also ruled out as he is undergoing a surgical procedure on his knee in Brazil.
Blues captain, John Terry will make the trip to Southern France, after making a successful return to playing action against Everton FC at the weekend.
Ancelotti admitted that his side were not enjoying the best of times in the league. In a pre- match interview, the Italian said, “Chelsea have difficulties at the moment – we are trying to look for the reasons. Maybe tomorrow will
be an opportunity to recover. We want to do well, to play our football and get the result we want. I spoke to my players after the game on Saturday and I hope they react well on the pitch tomorrow.”
With qualification already guaranteed, Carlo may give a chance to some of the younger members of his squad. However, the manager insists that he will field a strong line-up and try to win the game.
He added, “We give a lot of importance to this game because we want to come back playing our football. Maybe there will be changes but I will wait for tomorrow before making my decision. The result is not important but we need
to give a good performance so we will be focused. Both teams will play a good game, like in London.”
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