Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic feels the Blues are already 'strong' despite the recent losses of Didier Drogba and Petr Cech.

Manager Jose Mourinho has since then signed Radamel Falcao and Asmir Begovic as replacements, and Matic feels the Blues will soon be ready for the title defence once the new arrivals have settled in.

"Chelsea is strong," Matic told the club's official website.

"Of course when you lose some players it is not easy but this is the football life, and that is why we have signed some new players and I am sure they will be very important for us.

"I am sure that after this pre-season we will be ready to compete with every team."