Blues trio near return

Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho back in training

Last updated: 25th September 2007

drogba didier

Drogba: Back in training

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Avram Grant hopes Chelsea trio Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho will be back within a fortnight.

Lampard has not played for The Blues since scoring the only goal against Portsmouth late last month due to a thigh injury, while Carvalho has been out since mid-August with an ankle problem.

Star striker Drogba has been struggling with a knee injury, with reports suggesting the Ivory Coast international is reluctant to play until he is 100 per cent fit.

All three players are now back in training and new Chelsea boss Grant hopes the troika will soon be involved his plans.

"Didier started training yesterday, one week before we expected," said Grant on Sky Sports News. "Ricardo Carvalho was training today and also a few days before Frank Lampard.

Good news

"They are doing very well and I expect to see them very soon in the team and I can only say good things about their attitude.

"They want to play as soon as possible, and we want them too, we need them.

"We will wait a few days to see how they train, but I think in one or two weeks we can expect all of them to be back on the pitch. It's good news."

Grant also insists there have been no issues with any members of the Chelsea squad since he replaced Jose Mourinho as manager last week.

Proud

The Israeli added: "I have to say I'm very, very happy from the attitude, even from the injured players. They all want to play.

"I can only judge the players by actions, or by the way they speak to me. What they speak to me is through their actions on Sunday and off the pitch in training.

"I think Chelsea can be proud. They are very professional, have a good attitude and I don't see even one problem until now."