Michael Ballack has concerns over Chelsea relying too much on their young players in the coming weeks.

With several senior men away for the African Nations Cup, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not spend in the January transfer market - preferring to place his trust in a host of second-string youngsters.

But the experienced Germany captain feels it would be unfair to heap the pressure on players like Gael Kakuta, Nemanja Matic, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Daniel Sturridge.

"The pressure shouldn't be on these players because they are young," said Ballack. "There shouldn't be so much focus on them, they should have time to grow over time.

"We'll see what the manager thinks about the situation but I hope there is not too much pressure on the young boys.

"It would not be fair to say they have to fill this gap, it is a big challenge and there are a lot of other players that can do it."