Anelka and Alex to leave Chelsea

Anelka and Alex to leave Chelsea

Published Dec. 3, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says former France striker Nicolas Anelka and Brazil defender Alex have had transfer requests accepted by the Premier League club and will be free to leave in January.

Villas-Boas said Saturday ''their professionalism and integrity is never in question but on recent results and form ... we have decided to assign different training times for them.''

Anelka has been marginalized from the first team following the signing last season of Spain striker Fernando Torres and the development of young England forward Daniel Sturridge.

Alex's opportunities at Chelsea have been limited following the arrival of compatriot David Luiz in last season's January transfer window.

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