Scolari thinks only Florent Malouda, who is injured, can play on the left of a 4-4-2 formation, despite seeing Joe Cole previously playing in that position for England.

Wayne Bridge would also have offered a solution but the left-sided player, who can play full-back or midfield, has been sold to Manchester City.

"I will play 4-4-2 when I have a winger who can play on the left and with his left foot," Scolari said in the Evening Standard. "When you don't have players with these characteristics it is difficult to adapt one player to play in 4-4-2.

"Florent Malouda is the only player who can play with his left foot and he is injured. Everyone else is right-footed."

Scolari has favoured a 4-3-3 formation but Chelsea have won only three of their last 10 games ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash against champions Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.

Meanwhile, striker Ben Sahar has joined Dutch side De Graafschap on loan until June 30.