Cech and Drogba target an early return to action

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech is confident he will recover from a thigh injury in time to play against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday night, while striker Didier Drogba has penciled in Sunday's visit of Liverpool for his own return.

But the 26-year-old has made a rapid recovery and said: "The doctors will decide, naturally, but I am hopeful, my state of health has improved."
If Cech misses the Champions League match he should certainly have recovered in time for the clash against Liverpool, a match which could see Drogba make a surprise return.

It was initially feared the 30-year-old would be out until the middle of next month after suffering knee ligament damage in the Champions League game with Cluj a fortnight ago.
But Drogba has made excellent progress and although Wednesday's match with Roma will come too soon, the Ivory Coast international could feature in the Premier League's clash of the top two at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "In a week I should have Drogba — and that's something I'm happy about."

Drogba has made just three starts, with his last Premier League game coming in a 2-0 victory at Stoke at the end of last month.