Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has told Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka to forget about playing up front together - because he doesn't have enough left-footed players in his squad.

The Brazilian's claim comes only four days after he sold Wayne Bridge - who is left-sided - to Manchester City.

Drogba and Anelka have both expressed their frustration at not playing as a striking partnership this season, but Scolari has refused to change his preferred 4-3-3 system, despite his side winning just three of their last 10 games.

The 60-year-old says he only has Florent Malouda who can play on the left in a four-man midfield and he is injured. His claim makes Bridge's sale seem all the more puzzling as he has played in that position for England.

He said: "I will play 4-4-2 when I have a winger who can play on the left and with his left foot. When you don't have players with these characteristics it is difficult to adapt one player to play in 4-4-2.

"Florent Malouda is the only player who can play with his left foot and he is injured. Everyone else is right-footed."

Scolari will be under more scrutiny when his side take on title rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.