London, Jan. 4 (ANI): Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists that striker Daniel Sturridge’s two-goal FA Cup display against Watford will save him from a naked sprint around the club’s training ground.

The Blues boss had promised to strip if he went back on his promise not to bring in new faces during the January transfer window.

And Ancelotti reckons that 20-year-old Sturridge’s first goals for the club prove that there is no need to draft in back-ups for the stars, including Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Mikel and Michael Essien, who are away on African Nations Cup duty.

“It was a good performance and Sturridge played very well. Without Drogba, it was important to have him in good condition. He scored two goals. It will improve his confidence and his possibilities,” The Sun quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

“We can do well in January without the African players. And no, I don’t want to go naked in Cobham,” he added.

Ancelotti also admitted Florent Malouda had met with him to find out why he had been left out in key matches - but denied there was a rift with the French midfielder.

“I spoke with Malouda before the game against Birmingham on Boxing Day and explained my position. He explained his and, for me, it finished there and then,” he said.

“After that, he spoke in the French press. But there’s no problem. It’s normal that a player wants to play every game.”

“I was a player and when I didn’t play I was frustrated. It’s important, when you don’t play, to have a good reaction. Malouda is doing professional work,” he added.

Ancelotti insists the FA Cup remains a priority for Chelsea, despite the club challenging for the Premier League and Champions League crowns.” (ANI)