Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged for the first time that he would like to have Fernando Torres at Chelsea. It has been reported for several months that Chelsea are considering a bid for the Liverpool striker, but Ancelotti shared his feelings on such a move for the first time after Didier Drogba said he would enjoy playing alongside Torres.

"It's not only Drogba – I would like to play with Torres," Ancelotti told the Sun. "He is a very good player. But this is not an issue for now. He is a Liverpool player and is a good striker but we have two fantastic strikers and this is not for this moment."

Earlier this week Drogba had been asked whether he would welcome the added competition Torres would bring for places. "Of course," Drogba said. "Every time there is a new player coming here it's making the club bigger and giving us a lot of strength. If there is a chance for him to come he will be welcome – because any help is welcome."

Of more immediate concern to Ancelotti is tomorrow's FA Cup final against Portsmouth, which will pit the Italian against the former Chelsea manager Avram Grant.

"Avram is a very good coach," Ancelotti said. "He was here in Chelsea for one year and did a very good job. And also this year, Portsmouth have had a difficult year but he did well to take them to the final and get his players to go out with strong, strong motivation."

Ancelotti's team will be without Mikel John Obi tomorrow after he underwent surgery on a knee injury, as well as long-term absentees Michael Essien, José Bosingwa (both knee) and Ricardo Carvalho (ankle). Branislav Ivanovic has also picked up a minor knee complaint, and Paulo Ferreira is on standby should he fail to recover.