Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti was more concerned with injuries to Gael Kakuta, Yossi Benayoun and Salomon Kalou than he was by their Carling Cup exit to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
A last-minute goal from Shola Ameobi earned Newcastle a place in the fourth round in a seven-goal thriller in west London.
But the loss of two key players and a talented youngster were uppermost in the mind of the Italian coach ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City at Eastlands.
Kakuta was replaced at half-time after a tackle by Ryan Taylor left the France youngster suffering with a back problem while Kalou and Benayoun pulled-up with thigh and calf injuries respectively.
Ancelotti confirmed that both Benayoun, who went off after all three substitutions had been made leaving Chelsea playing with just 10 and Kalou would miss the game against Manchester City.
"Kakuta had a problem on his leg after the tackle in first half while Benayoun's injury is his calf and Kalou hurt his thigh," said Ancelotti.
"We will know more tomorrow but they don't look good. The will miss the next few games.
"These things can happen in football. It was a strong tackle on Kakuta and he was unlucky. The problem with his back is from the fall."
