Drogba a doubt for Pompey clash
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed Drogba had to leave their training session after sustaining the injury which now threatens his participation against Avram Grant’s struggling south coast side.
It will be a blow for the Blues if Drogba misses out as he was outstanding against Everton — scoring two goals in their 3-3 draw last Saturday.
“We had a problem this morning with Drogba,” admitted Ancelotti. “He took a knock on the back and I don’t know if he will be able to play tomorrow.
“I don’t want to change a lot of players tomorrow and we will decide on Didier tomorrow.”
Ancelotti side’s, caned for their poor defensive performance against the Toffees at the weekend, have been working on the type of set-piece situations that have caused them so much trouble this term.
All three Everton goals arrived courtesy of Chelsea’s inability to defend properly from free-kicks and throw-ins.
The players were booed by a certain section of the Chelsea crowd as they left the pitch after the final whistle, but Ancelotti insists he is fine with their reaction.
“We have trained and worked on the set-pieces,” said Ancelotti. “We have conceded some goals in these situations and we want to improve on that.
“We can do better. We had some problems after the Villa game where we conceded from set-pieces but we did well to improve after that.
“We have to improve our attention and concentration in these situations.
“I think the reaction of some of the fans was normal. We are top of the league and this means our fans always want to see the best. We want to do the best. When supporters pay for a ticket, he can do anything, with respect, naturally.
“To boo is not a problem. It can be a motivation for us.”
Goalkeeper Petr Cech has been the target for much of the criticism of Chelsea’s poor defending, but Ancelotti continues to back the Czech Republic international.
“Everyone at the club thinks we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” added the Italian. “I certainly do.
“He is a very professional player and maintains a good control when he does the right things or bad things.”
Grant will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was sacked after taking the Blues to the 2008 final of the Champions League.
Chelsea lost on penalties to Manchester United in Moscow but Grant then made way for the ill-fated reign of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
“I don’t know him,” said Ancelotti. “I saw him take Chelsea to the final of the Champions League and for that I think he did a very good job.
“He has arrived at Portsmouth and done a good job, so I expect a difficult game tomorrow.”
Chelsea have not won in the last four games but Ancelotti is not unduly worried.
“Ancelotti said: “We didn’t win in the last four games but the team is in a good moment. I don’t see a big problem. We have the mentality and the feeling to find a solution immediately.’’
However Grant believes he deserved more time at Chelsea. Grant still has fond memories of his time with Chelsea and admits his return to the venue will be an emotional occasion.
But the former Israel national team boss believes the team were going forward under his leadership and felt owner Roman Abramovich should have kept faith with him.
He said: “I thought I needed to continue because the team was on the way up. Every month, it was better.
“The football improved and I thought it was good for me, good for the club and good for the owner for me to stay.
“But the owner took a decision and I have two choices — to look back or look forward.”
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