Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti was more concerned with injuries to Gael Kakuta, Yossi Benayoun and Salomon Kalou than he was by their Carling Cup exit to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
A last-minute goal from Shola Ameobi earned Newcastle a place in the fourth round after a seven-goal thriller in west London.
But the loss of two key players and a talented youngster were uppermost in the mind of the Italian coach ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City at Eastlands.
Kakuta was replaced at half-time after a tackle by Ryan Taylor left the France youngster suffering with a back problem while Kalou and Benayoun pulled-up with thigh and calf injuries respectively.
Ancelotti confirmed Benayoun, who went off after all three substitutions had been made, and Kalou would miss the game against Manchester City.
"Kakuta had a problem on his leg after the tackle in first half while Benayoun's injury is his calf and Kalou hurt his thigh," said Ancelotti. "We will know more [on Thursday] but they don't look good. The will miss the next few games. These things can happen in football. It was a strong tackle on Kakuta and he was unlucky. The problem with his back is from the fall."
Source: PA