Drogba back, but Blues sweat on Anelka

CHELSEA’S title hopes may be set to be boosted by Didier Drogba’s earlier-than-expected return to Stamford Bridge but Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been rocked by the news that Nicolas Anelka’s long-term future at the club is in serious doubt.

Drogba and team-mate Salomon Kalou are expected back in London tomorrow after the Ivory Coast crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after losing 3-2 to Algeria in the quarter-finals on Sunday night.

And while neither are likely to be available for tomorrow’s home clash with high-flying Birmingham, both are in line to figure in Saturday’s potentially tricky clash against Burnley at Turf Moor.