Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Speedy return for Drogba

11 Dec 2007 - 09:26:12

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Chelsea boss Avram Grant hopes key striker Didier Drogba will be able to return to action before the end of December after having a knee operation.

The 29-year-old Ivory Coast international had the surgery on Saturday and it was initially feared he would be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, Grant said: "The operation went well. It looks like it will be three weeks or something like this.

"I have confidence in these players (Shevchenko and Pizarro) but I would feel more confident if he (Drogba) would come back.

"You know his quality. I don't need to say it again. He is a very important striker for us. I would prefer him to be fit and play.

"But he is not here. That is a fact. We cannot fight it but we want him back as soon as possible."

The Blues' club doctor Bryan English said last week: "Didier's knee locked on Friday afternoon and the decision was taken to have the operation immediately in the medical interests of the player.

"The procedure went well and he will begin his rehabilitation as soon as possible."

Drogba may now be able to feature for his country in next month's African Cup of Nations.