Drogba set for reserve outing

Blues striker back ahead of schedule

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 1st September 2008

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Drogba: Reserve return

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Didier Drogba will make his eagerly-awaited return to action on Monday night for Chelsea's reserves.

The Ivory Coast international has not featured for the Blues since being dismissed late on in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in May.

He has been forced to sit out Chelsea's pre-season preparations and the opening three fixtures of the Premier League as he recovered from knee surgery.

Reports had suggested that he would remain sidelined until October, but the 30-year-old is set to return ahead of schedule.

He has completed a full week of training with the first-team squad and will be eased back into action during the reserve contest with Arsenal at Barnet's Underhill home.

Drogba will bring an experienced head to a young Chelsea team which contains seven members of the side which contested the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City last season.

Luiz Felipe Scolari will be hoping to have his most potent attacking threat back in contention in the near future as the Brazilian coach looks to build on an impressive start which sees the Blues top the Premier League, while also preparing for the commencement of European action.