Drogba scare for Chelsea ahead of Portsmouth game

Chelsea’s mid-winter mini-crisis could be aggravated by the loss of Didier Drogba after the talismanic striker injured his back in training on Tuesday.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Drogba is doubtful for Wednesday’s Premier League match with bottom club Portsmouth, in which Chelsea will be looking for their first win in five matches in all competitions.

Ancelotti claimed to be unconcerned about Chelsea’s recent run of three defeats and a draw.

But he admitted that his work on the training ground had focused on defending set-pieces in the wake of a 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday that again underlined his side’s vulnerability in that area.

“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 have to improve our attention and concentration in these situations.

“It is very important to win (on Wednesday). 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.”

The Italian also professed to be unconcerned by the jeers some of the Chelsea supporters directed at their players at the end of Saturday’s match.

“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.”

Ancelotti absolved goalkeeper Petr Cech of blame for Chelsea’s recent defensive fragility.

“Everyone at the club thinks we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said. “I certainly do. He is a very professional player and maintains a good control when he does the right things or bad things.”

Wednesday’s match sees Avram Grant return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was sacked as Chelsea boss in the wake of their 2008 Champions League final defeat by Manchester United.

“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.”