Didier Drogba expected to be fit for Chelsea's crunch game at Arsenal despite missing charity game because of injury

Drogba couldn't play in 'Match against Poverty' because of ankle problem

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Didier Drogba is expected to be fit for Chelsea’s key Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday despite the striker withdrawing from a charity game on Monday night with an ankle problem.

The 37-year-old pulled out of the game in St Etienne, the United Nations development programme “Match against Poverty” with an ankle injury that he had picked up in the win over Manchester United on Saturday.

In the absence of Diego Costa and Loic Remy, the veteran striker played in the victories over Queen’s Park Rangers and United and was the last of Mourinho’s three fit strikers.

However, Drogba was at Cobham, the club’s training ground, this afternoon, where the senior squad has an afternoon session, and the club are hopeful that he can make a full recovery to be in contention for the game against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Remy, who has a calf problem, is also close to a comeback having been rated at “50-50” by Mourinho for the United game at the weekend.

Mourinho said on Friday that Costa will train with the squad this week with a view to an early comeback and possibly playing some part in the game against Arsenal.

If Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and then beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium a week on Wednesday they will be crowned Premier League champions.