Source: Daily_Mail
Ballack backs starlet Sturridge to come good in the absence of Drogba
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. Fast forward: Ballack believes Sturridge can fill the void of Didier Drogba during the Africa Cup of NationsSturridge came off the bench for his third Chelsea appearance against West Ham in the 1-1 draw at Upton Park on Sunday. 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.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. 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. 'He has not been in good shape this past week but hopefully he can recover and there will be no other injuries. 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