Ramires doubtful for Tottenham game

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti could face a midfield quandary for Saturday's visit of Tottenham Hotspur, with Ramires yet to return to training following his hamstring injury.

Ancelotti had been hoping the Brazil midfielder, who has made 38 appearances for Chelsea this season, would be back after two and a half weeks on the sidelines, but the 24-year-old is yet to take part in full training with his team-mates.

Alex, who has a similar injury, did train yesterday and may return, while Ashley Cole also resumed training. Michael Essien joined Ramires on the sidelines after straining a knee ligament in last Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham. Should both Essien and Ramires fail to make it, Yossi Benayoun may be handed a first start in more than seven months.