Bolton boss Owen Coyle was left fuming that his side were “done” as World Cup final referee’s assistant Darren Cann ruled Didier Drogba onside in the build-up to the only goal in the Trotters 1-0 EPL defeat at Chelsea.

He commented after the match: “We looked as if we’d weathered any threat they may have had but ultimately we’ve been done with a huge decision that I believe was offside.”

Subsequent television pictures suggested otherwise. But Coyle was still upbeat about his side’s display against the EPL title holders. He added:

“We came to be positive in the game, believing that we could win. I think we controlled the game for periods.”

The Scot has problems ahead of his side’s trip to Anfield, however. The hosts may be in more turmoil but Bolton look set to travel with only 15 fit players.

Left-back Paul Robinson is serving a one-match ban while American midfielder Stuart Holden, so influential at Stamford Bridge, is a doubt with a thigh injury.

Gretar Steinsson’s knee injury may also keep him out, whilst Chung Yong-Lee is away on international duty with South Korea in the Asia Cup.

And midfielder Tamir Cohen is on compassionate leave after the tragic death of his father Avi, the former Liverpool full-back, in a motorcycle accident in his native Israel.

Former Real Madrid youngster Marcos Alonso will make his EPL debut in place of Robinson.

Nevertheless Coyle vowed: “We’ll go there to be positive and play on the front foot.”