Didier Drogba has shrugged off an ankle knock and could play for Chelsea in tonight’s Champions League tie against Schalke at Stamford Bridge.
The 36-year-old striker missed Saturday’s Premier League win over Swansea but took part in a training session yesterday.
It is unlikely, however, that he will start against the Germans as manager Jose Mourinho is almost certain to opt for Diego Costa or Loic Rémy to spearhead the attack.
Drogba holds a special place in the hearts of Chelsea fans. His last minute equaliser and shoot-out penalty goal against Bayern Munich in the 2012 final secured the Blues their first European Cup.
Mourinho may be tempted to make changes for tonight’s tie, as he looks ahead to Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City.
It is possible he will hand a start to Brazilian midfielder Ramires who impressed as a sub against Swansea at the weekend. Mourinho, meanwhile, is bidding to become the first manager to lift Europe’s premier club trophy with three different sides.
He won the Champions League in 2004 with Porto and with Inter Milan in 2010.
He said: “What drives me is to try to win.
“I work for my club, for my players and for the supporters. I don’t work for myself.
“If I win it once more, it would be unique to win with three clubs.
“But even if I don’t do it, how many top managers in the world have won only one or even not a single one?
“If at the end of my career I’ve achieved that record, then good, but it’s far from being an obsession for me.”
