Brazilian centre-half Alex needs an op on a knee injury and is
ruled out for up to two months, plunging the defence into
crisis.
John Terry also has a nerve problem, which he says could keep
him out "for weeks, maybe months".
And the only senior central defender Branislav Ivanovic is a
booking away from a one-match ban.
Boss Ancelotti was keen on Portuguese defender Luiz, 23, during
the summer but a squeeze on cash halted the deal.
Now the Italian coach is set to plead with billionaire owner
Roman Abramovich for an emergency January transfer budget.
A club spokesman said: "Alex is expected to be out for six to
eight weeks."
