Anelka Ineligible For Bolton Clash - Report

Nicolas Anelka will not feature in Chelsea’s final Premier League game against former club Bolton Wanderers, according to reports.

May 2, 2008 5:39:22 AM

Nicolas Anelka , Chelsea - Tottenham Hotspur (PA)

The French striker moved to Stamford Bridge from the Reebok in January for ₤15.8 million, and due to a new ruling introduced last year he may be ineligible to face his old club on May 11.

The ruling states that no player can play against a club they have been loaned from during the season. It is the same situation that forced Jermain Defoe to sit out Portsmouth’s clash with Tottenham earlier this year.

The problem arises because – according to The Sun – Anelka was initially signed on loan by Chelsea.

Blues boss Avram Grant was keen to draft in the former Arsenal hitman prior to Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham on January 12, and hence a loan deal was hastily agreed on the Friday beforehand while the permanent deal was sealed a week later.

Anelka’s absence could prove crucial, as Chelsea chase the Premier League title and Bolton seek to avoid relegation.

Chelsea request that the Premier League grant a special allowance so the ex-Real Madrid man could play, but their case was dismissed.

Mike Maguire

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