Ancelotti To Exploit Rooney's Absence

Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Chelsea can take advantage of Wayne Rooney's injury and beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ancelotti, whose side sit just one point behind Manchester United in the Premier League table, said: 'Rooney is important for Manchester United. He is a fantastic player. He did a fantastic season, but his injury could be an advantage for us.'

Rooney, who has scored 34 goals this season, faces up to four weeks out after suffering minor ligament damage to his ankle, sustained in the midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea has struck 12 goals in its past two games and, with Drogba set to be reinstated to the starting line-up after missing Chelsea's 7-1 drubbing of Aston Villa, the Blues go into the top-of-the-table clash full of confidence.

Ancelotti said, 'Our moment is good. We are fit and our confidence has improved after the last two games against Portsmouth and Aston Villa.'

'It is an important game and we want to do our best. Destiny is with the winner of this game.'

But even without Rooney the Chelsea coach remains wary of the threat the champions pose. He said, 'Sometimes a team can be more than 100 per cent when a very important player is out. We have to pay attention to this because Manchester United have the experience to overcome the loss of Wayne Rooney.'

Ancelotti has injury concerns of his own with Ricardo Carvalho and Branislav Ivanovic both missing, as well as long term absentees Michael Essien, Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. However, the Chelsea coach confirmed that Cole will be back for the run in.

Ancelotti said, 'Ashley Cole will definitely be fit before the end of the season. He should be back in training in two weeks and fit to play in three weeks.'

Ancelotti is looking forward to returning to Old Trafford, the stadium where he won his first Champions League title as manager of AC Milan in 2003. He said,'Old Trafford is a fantastic stadium not only for Sir Alex but also for me. 2003 is the best memory in my career.'