Terry and Lampard both offer cause for concern

Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed yesterday captain Terry and vice-captain Lampard were both doubts for the trip to the Reebok Stadium.

Ancelotti was more confident of Terry's fitness, with the defender having picked up a back injury this week, but he admitted he had no idea if Lampard would be available.

The Italian's revelation came just 24 hours after the club played down a calf problem suffered by the 32-year-old, saying he was expected to be fit for Monday's game.

Should either he or Terry – or both – miss out, it would be a big blow for the champions, who are still trying to get their season back on track following their worst run in the league for almost 15 years.

That sequence co-incided with injuries to Lampard and Terry and there will be concern among fans over whether Chelsea would be able to cope without them at high-flying Bolton.

Ancelotti said yesterday: "We've got three days to check them and take a decision on the game.

"We have more possibilities with John Terry. Lampard, I really don't know if he's available or not."

The twin injury scare also reinforced the need for Chelsea to bring in cover before the end of the transfer window.

The club have so far been frustrated in their attempts to make signings, with Steven Pienaar having opted to join Tottenham after the Blues refused to meet his wage demands.

They also saw a 17m bid for Benfica defender David Luiz rejected at the end of last month and are reportedly haggling over a revised fee for the 23-year-old.

It has been claimed that Pienaar snubbed Chelsea because he was unimpressed by talks held with Ancelotti, who yesterday denied any such meeting had taken place.

"I've never met Steven Pienaar in my life," he said. "I didn't search (for) Steven Pienaar to come here to play for Chelsea.

"We don't need a midfielder– we have fantastic midfielders here already."

He added of Luiz: "Until now, there's no news. David Luiz is not here and will not be available for the game."