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Ancelotti ready to spend in January

Carlo Ancelotti has problems to contend with at Chelsea © Getty Images

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he may be force to delve into the transfer market in January if injuries continue to bite at Stamford Bridge.

A nerve problem in his leg has forced John Terry onto the sidelines while his fellow central defender Alex has put off a knee operation to shore up the side for the weekend's clash with Birmingham.

Frank Lampard has seen little action this season, while Didier Drogba has looked short of peak form since being diagnosed with malaria, and Ancelotti is aware he may need to pull out the chequebook.

"It depends what happens with Alex and in the next few days with John Terry," the Italian said when asked if he would spend in January. "Obviously, if both players are not able to play for a long time, I think we have to think about this. But just in that case."

Ancelotti will also have his new assistant first-team coach Michael Emenalo, who has been appointed as the successor to Ray Wilkins.

"The club made this decision after the decision on Ray," said Ancelotti. "But nothing has changed, for me. Emenalo has been working with me before.

"He started when I came here last year. He was the opposition scout and was supporting with me. He's not been involved in the training, and won't be, because Paul Clement has been and will remain doing that.

"It was not my decision, but he will continue to work with me. I'm not here to explain how I feel at this moment. I'm professional. I will continue to work.

"I want to stay focused on my team. Emenalo was a fantastic support last season for the opposition scouting. He was involved in our meetings and will be again in the future.

"He will support us as the head of opposition scout. He will stay close with me in the tactical situations. It was the same work that he did for the last 18 months."

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