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Drogba dropped for cup trip

14 Jan 2009 - 07:39:06

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Didier Drogba's future at Chelsea has again been brought into question after Luiz Felipe Scolari confirmed the striker would not be part of his squad for Wednesday's FA Cup trip to Southend United.

Drogba appears to be the first victim of Scolari's shake-up following Sunday's 3-0 defeat at the hands of Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Ivory Coast striker, who has continually been linked with a move to Italy with Internazionale, was selected ahead of Nicolas Anelka at Old Trafford but produced a below-par display.

Anelka will return to the starting line-up as the central figure in a three-man attack when the Blues travel to Roots Hall for a third round cup replay.

"I have looked at many games with Anelka and I have looked at the last few games with Didier," said Scolari.

"I have my opinion and I will put my opinion on the pitch every game.

"All the players have had their chance. I have given every player at least five or six games to impress.

"Now we will start with one team against Southend United and maybe I will start with the same team against Stoke City. But I need answers from the players. I will give them their chance and I need answers.

"If I have given players only one chance then maybe some of the players will complain that they have only had one opportunity.

"But when I have given four or five chances then there is no room for questions, it is my decision to play this or that player."

Scolari has also suggested that the balance of the side is not to his liking with Drogba rather than Anelka in the starting line-up.

Drogba has started the last four games - three of which have been at the expense of Anelka - following an injury-plagued first half of the season.

He added: "In last five games we play at 50 per cent of our potential. No more than this.

"Some players have been at 75 to 80 per cent while others have been at 35-40 per cent. But the balance for our team in the last five games has been 50 per cent.

"If you ask me if this team are ready to win things then no."