Fitness decision down to Drogba

Blues will not force strike ace to play through the pain barrier

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 20th April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fitness decision down to Drogba

Drogba: May require surgery

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will allow Didier Drogba to decide whether he is fit enough to play on this season.

The Ivorian striker is currently nursing a groin injury, and may yet require surgery in order to cure the ailment.

He was in obvious discomfort throughout the Blues' 2-1 defeat at local rivals Tottenham on Saturday, but was unable to be replaced in the second half as Ancelotti had used all of his substitutes.

Drogba is now in danger of inflaming the problem and ruling himself out of action for a prolonged period of time.

With the World Cup fast approaching, that is not something he wants to do.

He now faces a quandary: either play on with Chelsea and help fire them to the Premier League title or take a well-earned rest and avoid further injury.

Ancelotti is unsure as to what his talismanic frontman will decide, but is happy to support him whichever way he goes.

"It's his decision," said the Italian. "He doesn't have a big problem. It's more about controlling the situation.

"He'll take a decision at the end of the season, whether he has surgery or not. But it's not sure he'll have surgery."

Big brother

One man hoping Drogba remains part of the first-team picture is his countryman Salomon Kalou, with the African ace of the opinion that he is benefitting from working with the experienced striker day in, day out.

"Every time I have the chance to work with him I listen to what he has to say - he is very important to me," said Kalou.

"When you're talking about strikers in the game today, Didier is one of the best and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from him.

"Didier is like a big brother to me. First of all we come from the same country and that makes us closer.

"He still takes me to one side at training and gives me tips. We are always working in front of the goal. He is always so sharp in front of the net and I want to improve that side of my game.

"I can improve and develop every season by playing with him. Didier this year has been very important for the club, like every year.

"He has an amazing goal-scoring record for Chelsea and as a player it is a level I want to reach. I'm taking it step by step but I am trying to get in the team regularly first."

Comments (3)

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Rob Cooper (Chelsea fan) says...

He definitely needs rest. He shouldn't have played against Spurs after his performance against Bolton. He looks uncomfortable at the moment. On his day he is unplayable and I think we should save him for the Liverpool game and play Anelka. As much as Drogba is crucial to Chelsea, we actually played better with Anelka up topvin recent games.

Posted 20:36 19th April 2010

Nick Scott (Chelsea fan) says...

Rest up Drogs, You deserve it, Chelsea have the depth to push through till the end. Chelsea Loyal!

Posted 16:41 19th April 2010

Marc Smith says...

Drogba is awesome but he owes Chelsea we have stood by him through all his low points (although he should have been knighted for his outburst after Champs league defeat last season). He is suffering from a slight Groin strain and he should put Chelsea first, we have made him a multi million air and one of the most feared players on the planet. Play against Stoke and Liverpool and if title wrapped up rest for wigan. WE HAVE STOOD BY YOU, IDOLIZED YOU, SANG YOUR NAME - NOW WIN US THE LEAGUE.

Posted 16:28 19th April 2010
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