Drogba fears allayed

MOURINHO'S VIEW Crystal Palace 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea coach Steve Clarke has quashed fears that £24m striker Didier Drogba suffered serious injury after scoring in the 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

"We are hopeful it is bruising and will settle down for Saturday," he said, filling in for manager Jose Mourinho, who snubbed the post-match conference.

"Drogba's left ankle has ice on it an we are pretty confident he'll be fine.

"We passed the ball well, maybe overpassed it a little, but we looked comfortable after the first goal."

Clarke added: "We know there is more quality to come with our football, but I thought we stepped it up a bit."

Mourinho made five team changes, retaining Saturday's match-winning substitute Joe Cole in the starting line-up.

"Joe was disappointed not to get into the squad against Manchester United for the opening game but has done well since," said Clarke.

"He had a free role to go forward from the left tonight and it looks a good position for him."

Clarke also confirmed that Irish star Damien Duff, who has yet to figure, was in full training and could be in the shake-up for the next league game against Southampton.