Didier Drogba

Former Chelsea legend Franck Leboeuf has warned that January will be a real test for Chelsea 's title ambitions.  The Blues are set to lose Didier Drogba , Michael Essien , Salomon Kalou and Jon Obi Mikel who will fly to Africa for the tournament next month.

Chelsea have stuttered of late and have won only once in their last five games.  The French World Cup winner has warned that Blues coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to put things right quickly or face more pressure come January.

“That’s when we will see the real Ancelotti.”

 “So far everything has been going well for him. But now four key players will be off and we will see how he does.

“Also, he won’t be used to five games in such a short space of time, which is what happens in England at this time of the year. It will be a big test.

“Personally, having met him, I believe he will cope. But we don’t know. They are doing really well at the moment, but losing those four will have a huge impact.

“Manchester United are closing in and they always do well at winter time. They and Arsenal won’t suffer that kind of loss. He will have to bring in at least two new players in January.”

Chelsea face a London derby today against a struggling West Ham side coached by Leboeuf's former Stamford Bridge team-mate Gianfranco Zola.