Ancelotti sweats on fragile Essien and Cole

Carlo Ancelotti appears to be more concerned about Spartak Moscow's plastic pitch than their team as he prepares for Chelsea's Champions League clash with the Russian side. The Italian is prepared to leave both Ashley Cole and Michael Essien out of the side rather than risk any injury on account of the astroturf.

He has already dispensed with the services of Jose Bosingwa, who returned after a year out with a knee problem, as he was concerned about the effect the pitch could have on his fragile joint. Midfielder Ramires has also returned to England with a knock on his ankle.

Essien missed most of last season with a knee injury, while Cole has a long-standing ankle problem, and Ancelotti will wait until the last minute to assess their recovery from a training session on the artificial surface before deciding whether to risk them at the Luzhniki stadium.

Ancelotti's concerns over Cole prove the severity of his condition, which was highlighted at the weekend. The England left back needs several days to recover after a game and revealed: "I'm 29 but I feel like 35 or 40.

"At the minute I'm just taking it year on year and seeing how the body is. It's hard getting up in the mornings but I hope to have another four years and, hopefully, a few more medals and to win the Champions League."

Cole has twice played in Champions League finals and twice lost. The first time was in 2006 for Arsenal against Barcelona and the second was in 2008 for Chelsea against Manchester United, also played at the Luzhniki stadium.

That final was played on grass, and ended up with Manchester United beating the London side on penalties.

One Chelsea player who may be pleased that the slippery turf has been replaced by plastic is John Terry, who will captain the Blues.

He had a chance to win the trophy for Chelsea during the shoot-out in 2008 but slipped as he took his penalty and missed. Nicolas Anelka then fluffed another spot kick and United capitalised. Like Terry, the French striker will start the game and will doubtless be looking to banish his bad memories of Moscow. ·