Scolari hints at Drogba recall

Luiz Felipe Scolari has not ruled out an FA Cup return for Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

The Chelsea coach has left Drogba out of his squad for their last two games - an FA Cup replay win over Southend and a Barclays Premier League success against Stoke.

Scolari’s decision has sparked renewed speculation over the future of the Ivory Coast international but the coach insists nothing out of the ordinary should be read into recent squad selections.

“It’s a normal situation in the club because it is only a situation where for these two games I chose other players,” said Scolari.

“But maybe for next week Didier is together with the squad for the game against Ipswich. He doesn’t have a problem with me and with the club.

“He is training very well and starting to build his condition again, not only his fitness but his technique too.”

Captain John Terry is due to return to training tomorrow after sustaining a back injury in the pre-match warm-up against Stoke.

Meanwhile, the club’s chief executive, Peter Kenyon, insists he is delighted Chelsea are no longer the richest club in England.

The Blues are now third in the pecking order behind Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.

“We are delighted not to be the richest club any more and other clubs may spend more without having as much success on the pitch,” said Kenyon.

“This would dispel the idea that we have just bought our titles. We have taken sound financial decisions recently regarding trimming costs. We are not generally in the market for players at present as the best players are not usually available mid-season and it takes new players time to adapt.

“He (Scolari) has said consistently that he doesn’t want random replacements if we can’t get the players he identified.

“We have a long-term plan with him and will build on what we have achieved so far. We are in great shape and the best thing we can do is win trophies and be self-sufficient.

“We have had investment of £600m in the last five and a half years with excellent facilities and football during that time. Next year we expect our operating profit to break even.

“Our financial accounts for 2007-08 are published in February and any notions about the owner (Roman Abramovich) losing interest are dispelled in that. The owner does not have to sell Chelsea and he doesn’t want to.”

Scolari is unlikely to be given any funds to strengthen the squad despite the sale of Wayne Bridge to Manchester City for £12m and the loss of Joe Cole for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.