Ballack backs starlet Sturridge to come good in the absence of Drogba

22 December 2009 01:47
Michael Ballack is backing 20-year-old Daniel Sturridge to help fill the striking void at Chelsea when Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou leave next month for the Africa Cup of Nations. [LNB]Fast forward: Ballack believes Sturridge can fill the void of Didier Drogba during the Africa Cup of Nations[LNB]Sturridge came off the bench for his third Chelsea appearance against West Ham in the 1-1 draw at Upton Park on Sunday. [LNB]And German midfielder Ballack believes the youngster must step up to help Nicolas Anelka, who suffered a minor muscle strain last week, as Chelsea battle to preserve their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League.[LNB]It is a tough ask of the former Manchester Cityand England Under-21 star, whose claim to fame is that he is the onlyplayer ever to score in the FA Youth Cup, FA Cup and Barclays PremierLeague in the same season. [LNB]But Ballack said: 'Yes he can (step up) - he has to. We will missDidier as well as Kalou. We have to hope that nothing happens to Nico(Anelka) because he will be our main striker. [LNB] 'He has not been in good shape this past week but hopefully he can recover and there will be no other injuries. [LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Capello fury as captain John Terry is hit by more controversyHiddink set to reject technical role at Chelsea as he reveals: I want to coachHammer blow for Zola as old club Chelsea lead the chase for freebie ToniCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail