Andre Villas-Boas: We won't replace Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has ruled out signing a striker to replace Nicolas Anelka in January.

Anelka, 32, has agreed to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in the upcoming transfer window, but Villas-Boas believes there is still plenty of firepower in his squad, even with the expected loss of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou during the African Cup of Nations.

"Sometimes teams generate more goalscoring opportunities for certain people. We are within Man City's range as the most attacking team," said the 34-year-old manager.

"But we created for different players. That's why we have our goal sheet spread out through everybody, from [Frank] Lampard, to Sturridge, to Raul [Meireles], to [Juan] Mata. It's pretty diverse."

Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Manchester City.