Robben ready to fill Mutu's boots

Arjen Robben is poised to replace shamed striker Adrian Mutu as Chelsea wait for Didier Drogba to return to full fitness.

Robben made a stunning debut for Jose Mourinho's side when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 defeat of Blackburn on Saturday.

Head coach Mourinho believes 20-yearold Robben is capable of playing anywhere in attack and is prepared to use him in such a role until Drogba recovers from his groin injury.

Mutu is still waiting to be given a Football Association charge for his drug test failure.

The Romania skipper insists he did not take cocaine but a substance aimed at improving his sex life. The disgraced player could face a six-month ban or a period of counselling and treatment without any suspension.

However, such a move would incur the wrath of Sports Minister Richard Caborn, who yesterday called for the FA to crack down hard on Mutu by handing him a two-year ban.

Mutu and his advisors are understood to have met FA officials yesterday and the player is expected to be charged this week.

But Robben will grasp the chance to replace Mutu, with Mourinho down to just two recognised strikers in Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mateja Kezman.