Drogba concern for Blues
07 Dec 2007 - 08:53:10
Didier Drogba is reportedly on a collision course with Chelsea over his insistence in playing in next month's African Cup of Nations.
The Ivory Coast striker reportedly requires surgery to cure a chronic knee problem and stories suggest Chelsea want him to go under the knife rather than represent his country in Ghana.
However, Drogba, who is the current African footballer of the year, is determined to play in the biennial event which runs from January 20 to February 10.
The 29-year-old has suffered a series of lay-offs this season dating back to injuring his knee on the eve of the Community Shield in August and sitting out the traditional curtain raiser against Manchester United.
The former Marseille striker has featured in just 15 of Chelsea's 23 games this season.
Speaking last month, Blues boss Avram Grant admitted the impending loss of Drogba to international duty would be a huge blow to their title ambitions.
"Didier is a very good striker. Even though we win without him, we miss him and want him to play," admitted Grant.
"But it is much more easier for him when we play and pass the ball well and create chances. He knows how to score.
"I have two months until he goes. Four of our very important players will not be in the squad for a long time.
"It is not easy but we cannot change it. We will have to do our best."