I agree with what you're saying especially in terms of Malouda and Essien. However Drogba's illness was more, long-term and affected his overall health. Malaria would have taken its toll on his body and mind, usually presented as a normal flu, it would've been hard for him to even get out of bed let alone train. That is a huge credit to him. However there is no use in playing him if he's clearly exhausted and not in right frame of mind. Every fan here would've understood if Drogba had been left out because of the malaria, however most would not understand him playing despite it. Hindsight is a good thing, mind you. If he'd have still scored goals we may have ignored this. But did Carlo make a mistake here?