Drogba stays behind as Chelsea visit China
Sunday, 20 Jul 2008 16:20
Didier Drogba will stay behind for treatment on his knee
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Chelsea have departed for their pre-season tour of China without injured striker Didier Drogba.
Drogba, who has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, will instead stay behind for treatment on his injured knee.
The news is unlikely to help speculation that the 30-year-old Ivory Coast forward is set to leave the club.
Drogba is reportedly seeking talks with the Chelsea hierarchy after learning that they rejected an approach from Barcelona which involved a swap-deal with Samuel Eto'o.
Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has signaled his intentions to use the tour, Chelsea's first to China, to bed down a new team, system and philosophy.
"The players are not ready yet totally, but we are starting to build a new team and a new philosophy," the Brazilian said.
"This is just the beginning, and I expect after these five games that I will have a general idea about all the players and a system."
After touring Asia, Chelsea travel to Moscow to compete in the Railways Cup.
Inter Milan target Frank Lampard has travelled with the squad, as have new signings Deco and Jose Bosingwa.
Michael Ballack will travel to China after finishing an extended holiday due to his involvement in the Euro 2008 final.