Chelsea boss Ancelotti: Zhirkov, Cole close to return

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has delivered an upbeat injury report ahead of their clash with Burnley.

Chelsea will still be without midfielder Joe Cole, defender Alex, and new signing Russian Yuri Zhirkov against Burnley.

Ancelotti said: "Zhirkov is feeling a bit better and will go with the national team, if it's possible, to play with them. He's very close to a return to playing

"Joe started to train with us on Tuesday. With him, we have to stay calm because he came out not easy from the injuries. We have to stay calm and work with him.

"We have to put him in the squad at the right time. Now is not the time to do this, but we hope in the next few weeks that he can train and play with us.

"After the international games, we'll be more precise on his return. But I think he's very close to a return to playing."