Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Didier Drogba, who has
netted 18 goals so far this season, 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 bitter 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 in that season. "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. "It is very important to win," added Ancelotti.
"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.
"I was happy after the Everton game because we played with
intensity but we have to find more concentration and focus at
set-pieces." Meanwhile Chelsea insist they are not "hammering" on
Pompey's door for the £750,000 still owed to them from Glen
Johnson's £3million transfer in August 2007.
Reports suggested that Chelsea would reject Portsmouth's
appeal for more time to pay, but the Blues remain in dialogue with
the south coast club over the matter.
Ancelotti also scoffed at reports linking West Ham's England
goalkeeper Robert Green with a January transfer window move across
London to Chelsea.
"It is not true," he said.
