Ancelotti calms Zhirkov fears

The Russia international moved to Stamford Bridge in July in an ?8million deal from CSKA Moscow.

However, Zhirkov has yet to feature for the Blues in the Premier League after sustaining a knee problem.

Rumours have suggested that the versatile left-sided player's injury will only be cured by an operation, but Ancelotti does not believe that is the case.

"Now, at the moment, we don't think he needs surgery," said the Italian on Friday. "He's working with the team. Yesterday he worked with us.

"We have to control the situation. For the moment, he's not very well but he is improving. Next week we have to control his body. If he has improved, he can start to play matches again.

"He is improving. He didn't play with the national team because he's not fit now, but he is improving. At the moment, he doesn't need surgery."

Chelsea travel to Stoke on Saturday and the visitors will also be without Deco as the Portugal ! playmaker sustained a calf injury while on international duty.