Anelka has shaken off his hamstring problem and will continue his role as second striker with Daniel Sturridge taking over the main goalscoring position from the absent Didier Drogba.

The France international has scored eight goals this season but has created many more as Chelsea ended the year on top of the Barclays Premier League.

When Chelsea demolished Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates last month, BBC TV's 'Match of the Day' pundit Mark Lawrenson named Anelka as the best player of the 2009-10 season so far.

But Anelka's worth has not only been cherished by the former Liverpool defender, England captain and team-mate John Terry is a firm admirer of the Frenchman's form this term.

"He's been magnificent again this season," said Terry. "There are not many players who can play the main goalscorer or the second striker role so effectively and he has quickly made Chelsea his club."

Drogba may have taken the headlines for his 19-goal haul in all competitions so far but Anelka's team ethic has shone out.

It is that spirit within the dressing room that has brought the Chelsea squad together once more under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Although the Blues have failed to win the Barclays Premier League title since 2006 and gone through a host of managerial changes since Jose Mourinho was axed in September 2007, they are in the hunt for the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Barclays Premier title.

Germany captain Michael Ballack insists Ancelotti has galvanised the team and given the squad a new belief in itself.

"I'm part of a team that is ready to start winning the big prizes again and it feels like we now have a manager who will bring stability to the club," said Ballack.

"We have had too many coaches during my time at Chelsea and that is not a good idea if you want success.

"Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari all came and went before Guus Hiddink had some time with us last season, but it feels like Carlo is here to stay and that has to be good news.

"This team has connected with Ancelotti and all the players believe he is a man who can work for us, which is a tribute to him because he has come into a dressing room full of highly experienced players who all have their own opinions and beliefs.

"Maybe that was a problem for other coaches because this is a team where players are not afraid to stand up to each other.

"The fact that we are top of the Premier League and still talking about areas to improve means we are a team with amazing potential and this is why I'm convinced we can look forward to the second half of the season."

Chelsea now face a period without the likes of Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi. All four are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup in Angola this month.

But Ballack insists the close-knit bond among the players and their coach will help them compensate and overcome their loss.

"Sure we will miss the African players when they are away because they bring so much to our team, but Chelsea has never been about one player and that's why I'm certain we can be strong again when it matters this season," said Ballack.