Drogba out of opener

[Milan 17,835]

Luiz Felipe Scolari has conceded Didier Drogba is definitely out of Chelsea's first game of the season and is unlikely to figure until the end of August.

The 30-year-old has missed the club's pre-season as he recuperates from a knee injury that will prohibit his involvement at the start of the season.

Chelsea kick-off their campaign against Portsmouth on 17th August and will do so short of fire-power as Nicolas Anelka is their only available recognised striker.

Scolari has pencilled in the London derby against Tottenham on 31st August for a possible return but admits he will not rush the Ivory Coast star back into action.

"Didier will not play in our first game against Portsmouth and will probably miss the second against Wigan. If there are no more problems he should be ready for the game after that," said Scolari.

"But when you have a knee injury, you just never know.

"I have been getting a progress report from the doctor every day.

"He's getting better and is working with a fitness coach back at the training ground. I hope he will be ready to start training next week. But he will not play until he is in good condition."

Skysports

[Elliott 7]

No sense in risking him with Anelka looking good right now.

[EskWeston 696]

It is a shame that he will not be ready. But Anelka deserved his chance to start anyway. Sheva still has some way to get into form which leave us with Di Santo has the back up for the Pompey game. Hopefully it will be only the first 2 games that Drogba misses.

[Badboy 1,526]

Thats fine anelka and kalou is good enough

[Kez 2,727]

Chance for Anelka to continue his pre season form

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Thats fine anelka and kalou is good enough

I thought Kalou will miss the first 2 weeks of the season also ?

Before this could have been a problem, but Anelka's on fire atm and the rest of the team are looking very impressive.

[Joe Cool 388]

I thought Kalou will miss the first 2 weeks of the season also ?

If this is so, then I suppose Anelka and Shevchenko will play up front

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

If this is so, then I suppose Anelka and Shevchenko will play up front

Sheva's still a bit to go before he's match fit.

We'll probably go 4-3-3 and concentrate on Anelka :thumbsup:

[EskWeston 696]

Sheva's still a bit to go before he's match fit.

We'll probably go 4-3-3 and concentrate on Anelka :thumbsup:

Yup i agree, and with Kalou out at the Olympics i think it will be Malouda and Cole on the wings. I wouldn't be suprised at all if this was our starting line up:

.............................Cech...........................

Bosingwa.......Carvalho....Terry.............A.Cole

.............................Essien.........................

...................Deco...............Lampard...........

J.Cole.....................Anelka...............Malouda

Subs: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Alex, Ballack, Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko, Di Santo

Once we get Drogba and Kalou back and if we sign Robinho we will have incredible options all over the team. More than enough to go out to win all trophies on offer.

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Just looking at that formation is getting me all giddy

Its got goals written all over it.....Cant fecking wait to get started now

The strength in depth we have this season is superb. So many options and a manger who knows what he's doing

[pablo814 1]

If Anelka is on a streak like that then let him play. Kalou could be back sooner depending on how well Ivory Coast does...

[BlueLion. 21,491]

And the Ivory Coast have a difficult set of fixtures, I do believe.

[GodisnowhereCFC 0]

I thought Kalou will miss the first 2 weeks of the season also ?

Yeah that's right, Kalou is at the Olympics, don't know for how long though.