Didier Drogba Injury: Updates on Chelsea Star's Ankle and Return

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 26

Didier Drogba will start for Chelsea in the club's clash with Manchester United:

Updates from Friday, Oct. 24

Didier Drogba is fit to play a part for Chelsea when they visit Manchester United on Sunday.

Chelsea's official Twitter noted:

Updates from Thursday, Oct. 23

Didier Drogba has confessed he is not 100 percent fit ahead of Chelsea's trip to Manchester United.

Drogba is still recovering from an ankle problem, and was quoted saying by ESPN:

"

It's up to the manager to decide who's going to start. But if you were a player, how would you feel if they say, 'You can play at Old Trafford'? You'd be happy.

I'm not fully fit yet, but these kind of games helps me to improve.

"

Updates from Monday, Oct. 20

Didier Drogba is back in the first-team frame for Chelsea's Champions League clash with Maribor.

Jose Mourinho confirmed, via Chelsea's official Twitter:

Updates from Friday, Oct. 17

Chelsea provides an update on Drogba's status heading into the weekend:

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 15

Didier Drogba is expected to return to Chelsea's squad for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.

Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star reports:

"

Jose Mourinho has been handed a boost after Ramires and Didier Drogba returned to full training with Chelsea.

The duo had been ruled out with groin and ankle problems respectively, but are now set to return to the first-team squad.

"

Updates from Friday, Oct. 3

Didier Drogba, Arsenal's long-time nemesis, will play no part in Sunday's clash at Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho confirmed, via Chelsea's official Twitter:

Original Text

Chelsea's Didier Drogba confirmed via Twitter he aggravated an already existing ankle injury in training on Monday, ruling him out of the Blues' UEFA Champions League fixture against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old striker admitted he should have taken more time to let his ankle heal:

Jose Mourinho later spoke about Drogba and his ankle, via Chelsea:

The veteran forward has only started a single match for the Blues in 2014-15, according to WhoScored.com, and with starter Diego Costa enjoying a sensational start to his Premier League career, the Ivorian has largely been limited to a bench role.    

France international Loic Remy offers adequate cover for Costa, while Cesc Fabregas has experience playing as a false nine and could help out in a worst-case scenario.

The Blues will host Arsenal on Sunday, and it appears unlikely the forward will return to fitness in time for the clash against the Gunners. This early in the season, it's pivotal Chelsea allow Drogba's ankle to fully heal before rushing him back to the pitch.

Any long-term implications could spell trouble for the Premier League leaders, who only carry three true strikers in the squad for the 2014-15 season.