Even though he calmly slotted home a penalty in Tuesday night’s mauling of Maribor in the Champions League, Didier Drogba looked half the player he once was. This was not surprising, given the 36-year-olds lack of playing time so far this season, and Blues fans may be a little concerned regarding their visit to Old Trafford at the weekend.
Despite millions of pounds being spent on the playing staff in recent years, Chelsea may well have to rely on the powerful Ivorian to spearhead their attack against Manchester United on sunday.
With Diego Costa struggling to be fit for the weekend, and Loic Remy limping off against the Slovenian minnows, Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, may have no choice to deploy the veteran powerhouse. That is not to say he won’t do a good job if selected, but there must be concerns following his erratic passing on Tuesday night, and the lack of his once trade-mark ‘bullying’ of the Slovenian defence.
It would seem Chelsea have a mini attacking crisis, however, although Mourinho doesn’t expect Remy to be fit for Sunday, the French 6-footer is more hopeful:
‘We will see with the scan but I really hope it is not too bad.
‘Fortunately I stopped playing because I felt something.
‘I don’t think it is too bad but I felt something in my groin.
‘It was before I shot for my goal. It was a bit stiff, even my run and I didn’t feel very comfortable. That’s why I prefer to come off but for me I have to care about myself and if I’m not feeling very good it’s better to leave for another player who is 100 per cent.
‘I don’t think it is really bad. We will check and I really hope to play again this weekend.
‘It’s frustrating of course because I had a chance to play because Costa is injured but I am not afraid.
‘It is a huge game but every game is tough. Especially this one because it is a big game against a good opponent but I will try to recover as quickly as possible.’
If Remy doesn’t make it for the clash with the Red Devils, Mourinho will be hopeful Drogba can provide a meaningful attacking outlet for his talented team despite his age, and let’s be fair, Mourinho knows more than me.
If called upon, we wish you well Didier.
Written by Michael Horne
Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777
https://twitter.com/MichaelHorne777;
