Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has played down speculation regarding the future of Nicolas Anelka.
Blues boss convinced French striker will sign new deal
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has played down speculation regarding the future of Nicolas Anelka.
The Blues manager insists the French striker is going nowhere during the January transfer window, despite reports claiming the much-travelled frontman could be set for an imminent move elsewhere.
Those stories began circulating after reports emerged suggesting contract talks between Anelka and Chelsea had broken down.
The 30-year-old has just 18 months to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and has been locked in talks regarding an extension for some time.
Ancelotti insists those discussions remain ongoing and the Italian is convinced that Anelka will be persuaded to pen fresh terms.
"I think that they are speaking with his agent and they will try to find the right solution for both the club and for him," said Ancelotti.
"I'm confident he'll sign. Anelka is a top player and this club needs to have a lot of top players. And so, it's the same question with Joe Cole. We want to keep him and he wants to stay. There will be a resolution.
"Anelka has told me he wants to stay. He's happy with me. He's happy to work with me, and I'm very happy to work with him. That's a wedding, no? We don't want to break up."
Injuries
Ancelotti and Anelka are currently preparing to face in-form Birmingham on Wednesday in a crunch Premier League clash.
The Blues did have doubts over the fitness of Frank Lampard at the weekend, after he damaged a calf in the FA Cup clash with Preston, while Juliano Belletti also limped out of the action at Deepdale.
However, Ancelotti insists Lampard will be ready for midweek duty and has revealed that Belletti will not require an operation on his injured knee.
"We had questions over Lampard, but he trained today and he will be ready to play tomorrow," confirmed Ancelotti.
"So we have out Belletti - he had a scan yesterday (Monday) and won't need to have surgery."
