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Chelsea No.2 Ray Wilkins has revealed that Didier Drogba hasn’t suffered an injury set-back, as some reports have speculated.

The Ivorian sustained a knee injury during the Champions League clash with Cluj in early October and initially looked to have recovered well, coming off the bench in the matches against Sunderland and Roma. However, he was left out of the squad to face Blackburn on Sunday and Blues fans continue to watch Nicolas Anelka score for fun.

Now, Wilkins insists that the Pensioners are merely easing the hitman back into the fold gently and has tipped him to start in midweek, along with winger Joe Cole, when the Premiership high-flyers face Championship side Burnley.

“Didier has been out for quite a period, we brought him back for a couple of little run-outs,” Wilkins said. “However, he’s still not quite feeling good enough, so we thought it was best to leave him behind.

“I’m sure that he’ll be ready very shortly, though. There’s no setback, he just doesn’t feel that he’s ready to crack on 100 per cent.

“There’s every chance he could be considered on Wednesday - Joe too.”

Asked about red-hot Anelka, Wilkins enthused: “He’s doing a fantastic job and he was exceptional against Blackburn.

“He’s worked extremely hard at his game, playing up there alone, and has knocked in a few to boot.”

Chelsea will face Burnley in Round 4 of the Carling Cup in midweek, a competition in which they were beaten finalists last term.

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