Kalou's cup concerns

Kalou: Worried

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Salomon Kalou concedes Chelsea could struggle when the African Cup of Nations kicks-off in January.

Chelsea will lose Didier Drogba, Kalou, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien for a number of weeks when the tournament gets under way in Ghana in the New Year.

Kalou and Drogba will be representing the Ivory Coast, while Obi Mikel will be playing for Nigeria and Essien for the hosts Ghana.

There have been fears raised that the absence of the quartet could affect Chelsea's pursuit of honours on all fronts and Kalou believes the international depatures will prove a distraction to Avram Grant's plans.

Under-strength

"Chelsea will be under-strengh during the month of January, because Drogba, Essien who are very essential to their countries and to Chelsea will be missing," Kalou told skysports.com.

"Obi Mikel and myself will also be in Ghana to play for our countries.

"Hopefully when the competition finishes, we should be in good position in the league so we can come and make the difference."

Despite his disappointment at missing out on vital games for Chelsea, Kalou is excited at the prospect of playing for Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

"I am excited to represent my country in the ACN," added Kalou. "It is my first big tournament and hopefully we will win because we have very good players in the team.

"Our team is packed with experienced players who play in the biggest leagues in the world and also in European competition."

Kalou decided to pledge his international allegiances to Ivory Coast despite being approached to play for Holland.

The former Feyenoord man also rejected claims that he was not fully committed to playing for Ivory Coast after taking so long to decide his international future.

Committed

Asked why it took him so long to accept a call-up from his country, Kalou said: " I was not ready to come to play for The Elephants.

"I love my country, a lot of Ivorians were not happy, however i always thought about playing with my brother (Bonnaventure) in the national team.

"I did not come because my Dutch citizenship was refused. I am proud to be Ivorian."

Kalou also revealed the high esteem his team-mate Drogba is held in his homeland.

"He is like God there, he is loved by the nation," said Kalou.

"He has a picture everywhere, he has a well known fan club and he was even celebrated by 70,000 fans in a stadium last June.

"Ivorians love their footballers. We are mobbed everywhere we go in the country it is unbelievable, hopefully they will have more joy on the night of 10th February (African Cup of Nations final)."