Chelsea won't get African Nations blues, says Ancelotti

LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti remains convinced his Chelsea side can overcome the loss of their African Nations Cup stars after the holders started the New Year with a crushing 5-0 FA Cup home win over Watford.

And the Chelsea manager reacted to Sunday's victory at Stamford Bridge by denying reports of a rift with French forward Florent Malouda.

Ancelotti's Premier Leaguer leaders crushed their Championship opponents to earn a fourth-round tie away to another second-tier side in Preston North End.