Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea coach, insists he is unconcerned that his squad may have contracted swine flu against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

The London club's preparations for their Carling Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers tomorrow night have been overshadowed by fears that their players could have come into contact with the H1N1 virus at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were told that two Blackburn players had swine flu the day before the 5-1 defeat for Sam Allardyce's side. A third Blackburn player has since shown symptoms, while some members of the Bolton squad have also had the virus.

"I'm not worried," said Ancelotti. "The flu is not only on the pitch, it's everywhere. We take all the precautions and we want to think about playing. I know very well what I have to do if I have the flu. It's not a medical prescription. It's my grandmother's prescription - hot milk, alcohol - red wine - fantastic."

Some Chelsea players swapped shirts after the game against Blackburn but despite medical advice not to do that or shake hands. Ancelotti added: "We will do the same things we normally do. It's not a problem."

Ancelotti will rest several members of his first team against Bolton, with absentees likely to include Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are still unfit.

Joe Cole will play, having impressed on his first start since January against Blackburn. With contract talks between the player and the club continuing, Ancelotti hopes the England midfielder will soon agree a new deal.

"He was a surprise in that last game," Ancelotti said. "He played very well and it's difficult to return after eight months to play with such good intensity, good ideas and genius.

"He will play tomorrow. For us, it's very important because it's another player with quality who we can put in midfield. I know that he will speak with the club and I hope that he will 'do' a new contract."

Ancelotti is confident of overcoming Bolton and going on to reach the final. "It's important because we want to be there in that final," he said. "It's the first title in the season. We will change the team, but we will still put on the pitch a very competitive team."