Scolari: We'd cope without Robinho

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The Brazilian, who takes charge of his first London derby on Sunday when Tottenham are the visitors, knows time is running out for the 24-year-old forward to beat the transfer deadline.

Scolari said: "If he's not here, I have my players. He's one more important player - quality, velocity, many things - but I have very, very good players here."

The former Portugal manager admitted he wanted to sign two more players following the departures of Andriy Shevchenko and Shaun Wright-Phillips and that Robinho had long been his number one target.

But he insisted it would not be a disaster should chief executive Peter Kenyon fail to strike a deal for the Brazil international before Tuesday.

He added: "If Peter doesn't buy Robinho, I have 23 who are here, training and playing. If we want one more player with quality, Peter tries to buy him. If he doesn't come, he doesn't come. I have players for that position, no problem."

Spurs will make the short journey across London in search of their first point of the season, a sharp contrast to Chelsea's 100% record after two games.

And the omens were not good for Juande Ramos' side as Scolari boasted an excellent track record in derbies.

He said: "In the past I have 70% wins in derbies - and almost 50% of derbies end as draws. I am different to other coaches.

"But although a derby, for me, is important, points are more important than derbies. I need points to win a Premier League or a Champions League. If I'm thinking only about beating this team because it's a derby, then lose one or two games to other teams, the derby isn't important."