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Didier Drogba could sit out Arsenal clash as Chelsea consider rotation

Reported by Metro.co.uk on Thursday, 19 April 2012 (on April 19, 2012)
Metro.co.uk
*Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has hinted he will rest Champions League hero Didier Drogba for Saturday’s crucial clash against Arsenal, and put his faith in Fernando Torres.*

Tired: Drogba could be given a breather by Di Matteo (Picture: Action Images)

Drogba followed up his outstanding performance against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final by grabbing the winner in last night’s 1-0 win over Barcelona, but Di Matteo suggested the striker may be forced to settle for a bench role against the Gunners.


Aware some of his players may be getting tired following a testing two games in four days, the Italian said: ‘We will have to assess the players but there is a good chance some fresh ones will come in.


‘Also, they deserve to be in the team as well.


‘I left a few players out against Barcelona because I have to make decisions.


‘We will see about Saturday but I have it in mind to give one or two a start.’


Torres, Michael Essien, Florent Malouda and Daniel Sturridge were all left out of Chelsea’s starting XI against the Spanish champions, and are all in line to feature against Arsenal.


The Blues currently sit seven points behind their London rivals, with a game in hand, and are two points behind Spurs and Newcastle, who both occupy fourth place on 59 points. 

Chelsea will Barcelona in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp on Tuesday 24 April.

PICTURES: Chelsea 1-0 Barcelonaext

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