Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has admitted that owner Roman Abramovich is running out of managerial options should he not stick with Rafael Benitez.

Chelsea have scored just once and picked up only two points in Benitez's first three games in charge, which has led to the Spaniard himself doubting his future.

Now Wilkins has said that only Gus Poyet of Brighton & Hove Albion would be a realistic option.

"He is running out of options. If Pep Guardiola was to come in and got sacked, where do you go?" BBC Sport quotes Wilkins as saying.

"Jose Mourinho may not come back. Gus Poyet would be a good choice, he is cutting his teeth at Brighton and was a legend at Stamford Bridge.

"It is an interesting one, options are running down rapidly."

Chelsea are now 10 points off the lead in third in the Premier League.