Carlo Ancelotti set for winter Blues as Chelsea's problems mount up
Problems: Ancelotti was furious after Chelsea were humiliated by Sunderland on Sunday
Chelsea's lead at the top of the table has been cut to two points and all of a sudden the problems are mounting for manager Carlo Ancelotti.
With a December fixture list featuring crunch games against Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal, there will be no margin for error in the coming weeks.
Sportsmail examines the growing list of issues Ancelotti is facing as he strives to keep Chelsea on top.
Missing in action: Terry fears he could be out for months
O captain, my captain
Just when Chelsea need the leadership qualities of their skipper they are hit by the news that John Terry could be sidelined for months. In his absence, who can Ancelotti turn to? Didier Drogba wore the armband against Sunderland and although the striker has plenty of experience, his temperament hardly lends itself to that of on-pitch leader. Other candidates are Ashley Cole and Petr Cech but neither have the commanding character of Terry when it comes to delivering timely rallying cries.
No case for the defence
Chelsea registered the smallest squad when the summer transfer window closed - just 19 players over 21 - and were always likely to be hardest hit in defence when the injuries began to mount up.
The loss of Terry with a nerve problem has been compounded by yet another injury for Alex. Branislav Ivanovic has coped well enough with a switch from right back to central defence but the same cannot be said of Paulo Ferreira. Ancelotti speaks highly of Jeffrey Bruma but there are concerns over his physique. Selling Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid is already looking like a terrible decision.
The kids aren't alright
What are the results of the millions of pounds spent on Frank Arnesen's youth recruitment drive? Gael Kakuta is out of contract in the summer and there is real doubt over whether he will be offered another. Daniel Sturridge was omitted from the squad which lost to Sunderland and his absence smacks of a player in need of a wake-up call. And Fabio Borini has not featured at all as he stalls over a new deal.
Jaded: Malouda has struggled to recapture his early season form
With Drogba only now recovering from malaria, Nicolas Anelka looking jaded and Florent Malouda struggling to recapture his early-season form, Ancelotti needs one of his young strikers to step up rather than always having to rely on Salomon Kalou in his hour of need.
Ironically, the most promising talent appears to be midfielder Josh McEachran, 17, who has been at the club since he was eight, long before Arnesen joined Chelsea.
Big miss: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard
Lame Lampard
Missing since the end of August with a groin injury, Lampard looked set to feature against Sunderland after he returned to training with the group at the start of last week. But by the end of the week he was in pain again. He trained yesterday with those not on international duty but Chelsea are not prepared to risk him.
The impact of his absence has been softened by the form of John Mikel Obi and the return to fitness of Michael Essien. The Ghana international was sorely missed against Sunderland after suspension and will be again against Birmingham and Newcastle. Doubts remain over whether Ramires has the necessary frame for the Premier League while Zhirkov struggles to fit into a three-man midfield.
It's a shame about Ray
Ancelotti prides himself on his relationship with the squad so the shock departure of Ray Wilkins will not have too great an effect, especially given how popular the Italian is.
Ancelotti is also a coach first and foremost so training will not have been that much different. But the ruthless manner in which Wilkins was axed has certainly had an effect on dressing-room morale.
Senior players were stunned when they heard how he was given his marching orders midway through a reserve-team game. As Terry said: 'Ray was great to have around. He would always pick you up when you were down.' A handy person to call upon after a 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland, for example.
