Scolari can cope with knocks

Scolari: Remains upbeat

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Luiz Felipe Scolari insists his Chelsea squad contains enough quality to cope with the club's mounting injury woes.

Knocks to Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien were supplemented by problems for John Terry and Didier Drogba during the Blues' 0-0 UEFA Champions League draw with CFR Cluj on Wednesday.

However, there is better news in regards to defensive duo Ashley Cole and Alex, with both expected to be in contention for Chelsea's clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Reports have been quick to suggest that Scolari will be down to the bare bones for the visit of Villa, but the Brazilian believes he is capable of producing results with those still at his disposal.

Faith

"To have 23 or 24 players is very good for one squad," he said.

"How can a coach work with 34 players? It is incredible. When I arrived here there were 34 players and I have never wanted to work with that many - 23, 24 or 25 maximum.

"I don't know what will happen in January. Maybe I will have two or three more injuries. Maybe some teams want my players, but I don't think about January.

"I am satisfied with my players. (Nicolas) Anelka has made 10 goals this season, Joe Cole four, Salomon Kalou four, Florent Malouda two, (Franco) Di Santo two.

"I am not afraid because of Didier's injury because I believe in these players."

Tough

Whilst being supremely confident in his side heading into the weekend fixture, Scolari still expects Villa to provide a stern test of his side's credentials.

"It is a chance for me to talk to Martin (O'Neill) and say that I appreciate his job and his team. But we need to win," he added.

"I think he is a very, very good coach. All the teams he has trained play well and I like his style - he fights for his team.

"I asked players about him and they had good words. It will be a pleasure to say to him afterwards that I like him and his style.

"They have been fantastic, they have one less point than us so it is a big game. We respect them and more, we have looked at many DVDs of them. We remember last season it was 4-4."