Didier Drogba has been dropped from Chelsea's side to face Southend in the FA Cup.
The Ivorian striker will not even travel with the squad for their third-round replay at Roots Hall.
Drogba has become the first victim of Luiz Felipe Scolari's get-tough policy following their 3-0 mauling by Manchester United on Sunday.
Scolari feels Drogba is a pale shadow of the player once feared by Premier League defences with the Blues boss now set to turn to Nicolas Anelka who told the Brazilian he was unhappy at being left out of the starting line-up for their last three games.
Now Scolari appears to have made up his mind and Drogba's days at Stamford Bridge look numbered.
The striker, linked with a transfer to Inter Milan, may now get his wish after Scolari's dropped him for a replay Chelsea cannot afford to lose.
"I have looked at many games with Anelka and I have looked at the last few games with Didier," said Scolari. "I have my opinion and I will put my opinion on the pitch every game.
"All the players have had their chance. I have given every player at least five or six games to impress.
"Now we will start with one team against Southend United, and maybe I will start with the same team against Stoke City. But I need answers from the players. I will give them their chance and I need answers.
"If I have given players only one chance then maybe some of the players will complain that they have only had one opportunity.
"But when I have given four or five chances then there is no room for questions, it is my decision to play this or that player, and finish."
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