Drogba ready for Champions League return

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is expected to be fully fit by the time the Blues take on Bordeaux in their next Champions League group stage fixture on the 25th of November.

Drogba has been sitting on the sidelines since injuring his knee in the Champions League match against CFR Cluj. The Ivory Coast international will have game time this evening when Chelsea take on Burnley in the Carling Cup.

During Drogba's absence Frenchman Nicholas Anelka has laid claim to the Chelsea striker's jersey, scoring a flurry of goals to position himself as the club's leading goalscorer. Anelka's performances may see Drogba moved to the wing to give Chelsea additional options on attack.

“Didier has trained very well this week so he's back in the squad,” assistant coach Ray Wilkins told reporters. “We do have Nicolas in fantastic form, so with Didier breathing down his neck to have a game it is lovely.”

While Chelsea fans will be relieved that their attack is back to full strength, the club still has a number of top players suffering from injuries, and will be hoping that Joe Cole and Michael Ballack will be fighting fit by the time the Blues return to the European stage at the end of November.

For live football betting and daily special offers we recommend William Hill.