Chelsea have been dealt another blow following their defeat against Aston Villa as seven first-team players are hit with injury and illness.

The Blues have had a torrid time of late after losing 3-1 to Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas is expected to struggle with team choices this week as frontman Daniel Sturridge is struggling with a leg injury and strike partner Didier Drogba faces time out with a foot problem.

While captain John Terry and goalkeeper Petr Cech have been included in the Blues' squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers today, both players are believed to have missed training yesterday, sparking fears of injury.

Defender Ashley Cole and Salomon Kalou are expected to be ruled out of Chelsea's clash against Wolves and Florent Malouda is also likely to be sidelined due to an illness.

Meanwhile, Villas-Boas could be losing the support of his squad as a number of senior players are thought to have organised separate celebrations for departing striker Nicolas Anelka after the Portuguese boss banned the Frenchman from attending the club's Christmas party, according to the Daily Mail.

Anelka is poised to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua after a deal was agreed last month.