Let's Be Well Ahead Of Manchester United Before We Lose Didier Drogba - Chelsea's Ashley Cole

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has declared that Sunday’s blockbuster against Manchester United is a must-win, seeing as star striker Didier Drogba will soon be lost to the African Nations Cup.

The Red Devils travel to Stamford Bridge tomorrow, looking to prevent the Blues from extending their lead to five points on the Premier League table.

As January fast-approaches, Chelsea are aware that they will soon be saying goodbye to Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel, who will all link-up with their respective nations for the African Nations Cup.

Cole has said that Drogba will be a difficult player to replace, so the Blues need to capitalise on the time they still have with him.

Speaking to The Mirror he intimated: “At the moment he’s unstoppable. Even when he probably doesn’t mean to do a skill, it’s coming off for him.

“He’s on fire at the moment. He’s strong, powerful and everything you seem to give him he’ll finish. When you have players like that on form, this is a great team.”

The England international also adds that the Drog’s constant pressure and threatening presence will be missed while he is away.

Adding: “He’s very focused and if you see what he does in defending as well – he wins every header and is coming back to help out at the back, which is brilliant for us.”

“At the moment his all-round game is amazing. It will be tough losing a player like that in January. We did well without him last season, but we're going to miss him,” he concluded.

Omar Dabbagh, Goal.com UK