Drogba set for surgery

Drogba: To have operation

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Didier Drogba has revealed he will have surgery on his troublesome knee this weekend.

The Chelsea striker has been struggling with the problem for some time and Avram Grant announced this week he may have to undergo an operation.

There had been speculation that Chelsea would delay the surgery so that Drogba could play in next Sunday's crucial game against Arsenal with the aid of painkilling injections.

However, Drogba is desperate to turn out in the African Cup of Nations for Ivory Coast and is aiming to give himself enough time to recover.

It therefore appears likely that Drogba will not be able to play again for Chelsea until Ivory Coast's exit from the African Cup of Nations, leaving Grant without his main striker.

"I will undergo surgery on Saturday in London, by professor Andy Williams," Drogba told L'Equipe.

"I took my time before making the decision, because I wanted different opinions and listen to specialists. Surgery was unavoidable.

No trouble

"Between me and the club there is never any trouble. I could not walk normally anymore, my knee was locked.

"We just had to find an agreement. The club didn't want to put me in danger.

"Everyone knows it is out of the question to prevent me from playing African Cup of Nations.

"My unavailability will be between one month and five weeks, considering healing and rehabilitation.

"I am very annoyed to miss the series of matches with Chelsea."