Chelsea could be without Didier Drogba for the first three games of the season according to Scolari and reports in the Daily Mail.

Drogba has yet to appear in the pre-season and has instead been rehabilitating from a knee injury that has been troubling the striker for some time. With Drogba now reportedly looking to commit himself to a new contract at Stamford Bride, Scolari is keen to get him back on the field. However, it appears he may well have to wait according to his comments today.

‘He’s better, starting to train in the field. He has a fitness coach there. But I hope next week he will be ready to start training,” remarked the Chelsea boss.

‘He will not be available for the first game. It is important for us he is fully fit. When he is in good condition, he will play. Maybe for the second game – third game maximum – he will be ready if there are no more problems.’

Given his pre-season form, it seems inevitable that Nicolas Anelka will get the opportunity to lead the line in Chelsea’s openers, although there are also reports that the club are stepping up their pursuit of Robinho.