Grant: Drogba back in few weeks
Drogba bagged 33 goals in all competitions last season
Also In The News
|
Directed by Ang Lee, out at cinemas now, starring Tony Leung, Wei Tang, Joan Chen, Lee-Hom Wang, running time 157 mins. |  |
Monday, 10, Dec 2007 10:08
Didier Drogba will make a shock return from injury in three weeks, according to Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
Drogba was facing a two-month layoff after having surgery on Saturday to cure a troublesome knee injury.
The Ivory Coast striker denied claims that the Blues wanted him to delay the surgery so he could miss the African Cup of Nations.
Drogba, 29, should now be fit to play in the tournament in Ghana, which starts on January 20th.
Manager Grant said: "The operation went well. It looks like it will be three weeks or something like this."
But Drogba will miss the Blues' crunch games this week against Valencia in the Champions League and Sunday's clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Marseille forward has scored nine goals this season, with the pressure now on Andriy Shevchenko, Claudio Pizarro, and Salomon Kalou to perform.
Grant admitted Drogba would be a major loss to his side.
"I have confidence in these players but I would feel more confident if he (Drogba) would come back," Grant said.
"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."
Drogba will miss further games for Chelsea when the African Cup of Nations takes place for three weeks.
The striker along with compatriot Salomon Kalou, Ghana's Michael Essien, and Nigerian Jon Obi Mikel will represent their countries in the tournament.