Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could join John Terry on the sidelines for Sunday’s home clash with Stoke as the Blues bid to get their Premier League title push back on track (Chelsea 4/7 Outright).
Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 2-1 at Tottenham at the weekend which saw Manchester United (11/8 Outright) close to within a point with three games left to play in the top flight this term.
The White Hart Lane defeat was compounded by captain John Terry’s red card on 67 minutes while Ivory Coast star Drogba aggravated a groin problem he has been carrying recently.
Whether or not the 32-goal striker requires surgery remains to be seen, with Ancelotti confirming the decision rests with Drogba despite the fact Chelsea are going for the Premier League and FA Cup double.
“He doesn’t have a big problem. It’s more about controlling the situation,” said the Italian.
“He’ll take a decision at the end of the season. But it’s not sure he’ll have surgery.”
However, Drogba could well decide he needs to rest the problem in order to ensure he reaches the World Cup finals (Drogba 20/1 Top Goalscorer) in as good a condition as possible, surgery or not.
Ancelotti still feels the Premier League title is Chelsea’s to lose after United managed to secure a 1-0 win at Manchester City in the early kick-off on Saturday thanks to a late Paul Scholes header.
He added: “We are top of the list with only three games left so every team wants to be in our place.
“We have two at home and one difficult game away. We can be the best again. A one-point lead is not bad at this stage of the season.
“To be sure we have to win all three games. Now the most important is against Stoke.”
The Potters arrive at Stamford Bridge having again guaranteed their Premier League status with games to spare after winning promotion in 2008.
But boss Tony Pulis is eager to move the Britannia Stadium outfit further up the table next season from the confines of mid-table security.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “We want to take it up another level and that may mean shifting a few players on.
“There are a few players whose futures will be discussed and we will see where it takes us.
“There has to be changes if we are to move on because if you stand still you’re dead.”
Pulis’ challenge is to add to his squad while maintaining the unity that has largely served them well over the last three years.
Chelsea await Drogba decision
Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 2-1 at Tottenham at the weekend which saw Manchester United (11/8 Outright) close to within a point with three games left to play in the top flight this term.
The White Hart Lane defeat was compounded by captain John Terry’s red card on 67 minutes while Ivory Coast star Drogba aggravated a groin problem he has been carrying recently.
Whether or not the 32-goal striker requires surgery remains to be seen, with Ancelotti confirming the decision rests with Drogba despite the fact Chelsea are going for the Premier League and FA Cup double.
“He doesn’t have a big problem. It’s more about controlling the situation,” said the Italian.
“He’ll take a decision at the end of the season. But it’s not sure he’ll have surgery.”
However, Drogba could well decide he needs to rest the problem in order to ensure he reaches the World Cup finals (Drogba 20/1 Top Goalscorer) in as good a condition as possible, surgery or not.
Ancelotti still feels the Premier League title is Chelsea’s to lose after United managed to secure a 1-0 win at Manchester City in the early kick-off on Saturday thanks to a late Paul Scholes header.
He added: “We are top of the list with only three games left so every team wants to be in our place.
“We have two at home and one difficult game away. We can be the best again. A one-point lead is not bad at this stage of the season.
“To be sure we have to win all three games. Now the most important is against Stoke.”
The Potters arrive at Stamford Bridge having again guaranteed their Premier League status with games to spare after winning promotion in 2008.
But boss Tony Pulis is eager to move the Britannia Stadium outfit further up the table next season from the confines of mid-table security.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “We want to take it up another level and that may mean shifting a few players on.
“There are a few players whose futures will be discussed and we will see where it takes us.
“There has to be changes if we are to move on because if you stand still you’re dead.”
Pulis’ challenge is to add to his squad while maintaining the unity that has largely served them well over the last three years.
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