Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka and centre-back Alex are no longer training with the first team, according to reports.

Neither man is a part of Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas's plans moving forward and have been forced to train with the reserves as a result, according to The Sun.

Alex, 29, is reported to have handed in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge, while Anelka – whose contract expires in the summer – is expected to join big-spending Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala next month.

The club's players are believed to be shocked by the manager's sudden decision.