Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti could be forced into the New Year transfer lottery because of long-term injuries to captain John Terry and Brazilian defender Alex. Terry and Alex both missed the 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland last Sunday.
Terry has struggled all season with a nerve problem in his right leg and he travelled to Italy to see a specialist recommended by Ancelotti in midweek.
Alex meanwhile, has postponed surgery on his knee problem in order to play against Birmingham.
When asked if he would move into the transfer market if both players were sidelined for a long spell, Ancelotti replied: "It depends what happens with Alex and in the next few days with John Terry.
"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.
"There's a muscle on John's leg, the piriformis muscle, and the nerve moves, so he feels pain.
"We have to work on this problem. It's not true that he'll be out 'for a month'. He went to Italy because I recommended him to go. He was the best doctor for the back and I worked with him for years.
"It depends day-by-day with John. He has pain. He will not be involved on Saturday but, maybe, he'll be able to play in the next game. We're not satisfied, but we hope we'll be able to put John in the condition to play.
"I don't remember how many times I was 100% fit when I played. You often have problems.
"(On Saturday) Alex will be available, which is good news. He trained well for the Brazilian team. We know he needs surgery, but we can procrastinate for this. There's no risk, but his knee needs to be clean.
"It will be good to have him back. We didn't play well last week, played a poor game. It was the first time in my period here, so we need to move on immediately and have a reaction.
"The reaction will not be because we have got Alex back. We'll have a reaction if everyone works for the team, works hard and shows a good mental attitude and fighting spirit.
"Our aim is to play well, better than we did against Sunderland. We want to forget Sunderland with a fantastic performance.
"If we play well, we can win and maintain our position at the top of the table."
