Chelsea Dumps Drogba For Southend Clash

Big Phil will leave the Drog chained up at home when the Blues skip over to Essex this evening.

Jan 13, 2009 8:16:27 PM

More On :  Chelsea, Didier Drogba
EPL: Didier Drogba, Manchester United v Chelsea (PA)

The Sun reports that Didier Drogba has been omitted from the Chelsea squad that will face Southend United in tonight's FA Cup third round replay.

The Ivorian striker earned criticism from all quarters after the Blues' defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, in which he was convincingly beaten by Nemanja Vidic and youngster Jonny Evans.

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And now Luiz Felipe Scolari, the London club's manager, has recalled Nicolas Anelka to lead the line at Roots Hall, despite rumors of a massive row between the two ahead of the Old Trafford disaster.

The ex-Brazil coach's insistence on using either Drogba or Anelka, but never both, has been the cause of some consternation among pundits and the general public - not to mention the players themselves.

Drogba has been heavily tipped to depart Stamford Bridge after a number of incidents over the past few months, and this continuing uncertainty over his place in the first team could seal the deal.

The 30-year-old has attracted plenty of interest from abroad, with AC Milan and Inter both regularly linked, while Olympique Marseille have inquired about bringing back their former star on loan.

--Mike Maguire, Goal.com

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