Ancelotti puts faith in Bruma

01 January 2011 14:00

Carlo Ancelotti has put his faith in Jeffrey Bruma to help lift Chelsea further out of their end-of-year slump after confirming the teenager will make his full Barclays Premier League debut in Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.

Blues boss Ancelotti has turned to the 19-year-old to fill the void left by Branislav Ivanovic, who is suspended after foolishly picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Bolton in the final match before the mid-season amnesty.

"It is the time that we can use Bruma," Ancelotti told Chelsea TV. "He is a young player who is a very good defender. He has a lot of ability, he has played some games and, in this time, he is improving."

He added: "He works very closely with John Terry, Ivanovic and Alex and it is the time to put him in. I am sure that he will do his best."

Bruma has already started in both the Carling Cup and Champions League this season and Ancelotti has backed captain Terry to guide him through his full Premier League debut.

"For Bruma, it will be fantastic support to have Terry alongside," said the Italian.

"He trained very well, he knows how he has to move but, with John Terry, it will be easier to move."

Chelsea will once again be without holding midfielder John Obi Mikel on Sunday, with the club confirming he will remain out for around three more weeks after straining knee ligaments in Monday night's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Source: PA