Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka grabbed first-half goals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to keep Scolari's men at the summit, and they now have just under a fortnight to get injured players back into action.

Deco could be back for their next game against Middlesbrough after a thigh strain, while Ricardo Carvalho and Didier Drogba will be on the comeback trail following their injuries.

Against Villa they also had Alex out with a buttock injury, but it mattered little as Villa were swept aside and flattered by the scoreline.

"I am satisfied because we played very well," Scolari said. "For me it is the most important game this season because if we won we were in first position in the league and now we have 10 days to recuperate our players through the international break.

"After, when we start the league, all our players will be in good condition."

John Terry received treatment on his back, while Joe Cole limped off with a foot injury - but Scolari feels they will be ready to play for England against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Of midfielder Cole's problem, Scolari said: "He got a little touch, it's nothing, a little problem on the foot. In two or three days with the national team he will be in the condition to play.

"John Terry is the same. He is a fantastic man, if he feels something he still wants to play."

Ashley Cole came through 90 minutes following a slight knock during the week, although Anelka came off at the break and may miss the first part of France's schedule.

England boss Fabio Capello watched his players from the stands, with Frank Lampard putting in a box-to-box display in Chelsea's midfield.

"He played very, very well - I said it two times not once," said Scolari.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill agreed, adding: "He was absolutely outstanding. I think he is an outstanding player."

Villa rarely tested Petr Cech in Chelsea's goal but got the glimpse of a goal when Gabriel Agbonlahor almost took advantage of a Terry backpass.

O'Neill had no complaints with the result, adding: "Chelsea were brilliant. We would have had to have our best players at the top of their game to compete, never mind anything else. It is a harsh lesson.

"It's what you want to aspire to. We didn't help ourselves but it doesn't matter. We will have learned a lot from this."

But for the reflexes of Brad Friedel, Chelsea could have added to their two goals in the second half.

"I was pleased he was in goal for us," O'Neill. "He was fantastic and we needed him or we would have been in a spot more bother."