Anelka has recovered from a hamstring injury and is set to return to action against Hull at the KC Stadium on Saturday. The France international has been a revelation this season in a supporting role to 19-goal striker Didier Drogba but has missed the last four games because of his injury. Drogba, along with Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi, will be absent for much of this month because of their involvement in the African Nations Cup. But Ancelotti is confident that Anelka, along with 20-year-old Daniel Sturridge, can help fill the void left by Drogba and Kalou. "Anelka is a very important player for us," said Ancelotti. "He has shown he can play with Didier in attack and without him. "He played the first three games in the Champions League without Didier and he did very well for us and that was important. "It is very important for us to have him, not only for tomorrow but throughout this period." Ancelotti is also confident his squad contains enough quality to remain top of the Premier League until the African quartet return. The Italian maintains he is not looking to add to his squad in the current transfer window, and denied the club's sporting director Frank Arnesen was in Italy this week checking on Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini. "We don't have any news," added Ancelotti. "We stay with the same squad. I have said that a lot of times. "We have a good squad and have a very good striker in Daniel Sturridge. We don't need to have another new player. "Frank was in London on Wednesday, it is not true. Pazzini is not a player who is of interest to us." Although Ancelotti does not see the need for a new additions, Arnesen admits Chelsea always have to be alert if there is an opportunity to sign a top quality player. "Carlo has now worked with this group of players for six months, knows all the talent and doesn't want to change anybody with any players from another club so this is good," said Arnesen. "But we always have to be alert if there is something coming up in the market or something happening in our own squad that means you have to act. We keep working, keep talking and keep meeting which is our job." Chelsea trained at Stamford Bridge this morning instead of the Dome at Cobham. The players have been unable to use the pitches at their Surrey training headquarters because of snow and ice. Ancelotti's side have a two-point lead at the top of the table Ancelotti and the Blues boss is determined to keep them ahead of the field, which means avoiding a slip-up at Hull. He said: "This game will be the first one without the African players and it will be a difficult game. "We have to pay attention to Hull and be aware. We must concentrate on doing our best because we want to win and maintain our position at the top of the list. We are confident of playing a good match." The Italian is well aware of the dangers posed by the chasing pack, and has taken notice of Arsenal's recent revival and Patrick Vieira's return to English football with Manchester City. "It is Roberto Mancini's dream to win the title," said Ancelotti. "He has started his job very well. But it is important that we stay at the top. "Arsenal have done very well in this recent period. They have had some fabulous results but we must maintain our position."
