Ancelotti: Zhirkov - not for sale © EuroFootball.com

London strategist Carlo Ancelotti rejected the possibility of selling Yuri Zhirkov.

The Russian player, who has not solidified his position in the main lineup, was linked with a move to Moscow's "Spartak" and St. Petersburg's "Zenit."

"I don't need to talk to him about the future," said the coach from Italy. "This is because his future is with the Chelsea club. Yuri is a good footballer who knows that there is strong competition in the strongest clubs, which forces him to improve.

"I think he will have opportunities to play many matches this season, as we have many tournaments ahead of us. I need all the players to be ready to step onto the field at any time."