Chelsea manager Avram Grant has admitted that star striker Didier Drogba could be forced to undergo knee surgery.
Striker could face knee surgery
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has admitted that star striker Didier Drogba could be forced to undergo knee surgery.
The Ivory Coast international, due to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January, is almost certain to miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Grant admitted that the Blues' medical staff will continue to monitor Drogba over the next few days before making a decision as to whether he requires an operation.
Health
He said: "He pushes to play even now but we must take care of the health of the player.
"We will see what is good for him. At the moment we will keep an eye on the situation then we will know what will happen.
When asked if Drogba would need to go under the knife, the Israeli said: "Maybe. We don't know yet, we will know better in the next days."
Immediate surgery could well rule the forward out of the African Cup of Nations, a tournament Grant feels should be re-scheduled for June or July.
Not good
He added: "I think everybody wants it but it doesn't depend on me.
"We need to think about this. When they started the African Nations Cup there were not so many players playing in Europe.
"Now the Africans have many players in the Premier League and in other leagues -- and in my opinion it will be even more in the next few years.
"So we need to think about this because it's not good for the players or the clubs. It would be better in the summer but I cannot change it, I can only say my opinion."
