Drogba boost for Blues

25 September 2009 13:49
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has calmed fears that Didier Drogba would miss Saturday's trip to Wigan by stating the striker is fit to play. The Ivory Coast star has been in fine form this season and is a major reason why the Blues sit at the top of the Premier League with a 100 per cent record. However, Chelsea were concerned Drogba would miss the meeting with Wigan at the DW Stadium after hobbling away from last weekend's win at Tottenham. But Ancelotti has confirmed that the powerful forward has shaken off a calf complaint and will be available for selection against the Latics. The Chelsea boss said on Friday: "Didier had a problem last week. "But he is completely rested and trained very well yesterday. He's all right to play tomorrow." Ancelotti is enjoying his time with Chelsea after leaving AC Milan in the summer and he hopes to remain at Stamford Bridge for as long as possible. The Italian, 50, admits he has changed his mind about retiring on a number of occasions since he began his managerial adventure in 1995. "I started to train in 1995 and, after two years of this job, I thought that, for me, I would end my career in 2000," he said. "When I got to 2000, I said, 'now it's better to continue because I like this'. "I thought I'd close my career in 2005 but after the Champions League final defeat against Liverpool, I thought it was better to continue. Now, my stop is 2015. "I hope to stay here. It depends not only on me. But I can say that, after three months here, I hope to stay a long time." Ancelotti has also backed Joe Cole to return to the England fold after the midfielder returned against QPR in the Carling Cup following a long-term knee injury. "Joe played very well and shows very good condition," said Ancelotti. I'm very happy for him. After eight months out, it's not easy to play like he does. "I'm sure that England coach Fabio Capello knows him very well. I'm sure Joe can do very good things for the England team. "He had great matches in the past with England. He can return and put this quality on the pitch for the national team."

Source: SKY_Sports