As expected, Didier Drogba is back in the Chelsea squad for tomorrow night’s Champions League meet with Porto. The striker missed Saturday’s mauling of Wolves with a chest injury sustained against United before the international break. He is now set to play some part against Porto, along with Ballack and Deco who also return to the squad.
Ancelotti’s side make the trip to the Emirates at the weekend so it’s likely that Drogba’s participation in Wednesday’s tie will be limited. Drogba’s many fantasy owners will be hoping that he resumes his destruction of Premier League defences. Following the Arsenal game, the striker takes on the City defence before embarking on a very kind run of games (EVE POR whm bir FUL) that take him up to his departure for the African Cup of Nations in January.
Meanwhile, there’s no sign of Lampard in the squad. He remains sidelined with his thigh injury and looks certain to miss out again this weekend, despite reports that he’s seeking out the miracle horse placenta cure for his ailments. Expect Essien to resume his advanced midfield role then.