Didier Drogba out for three months as Chelsea's injury crisis worsens

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is facing up to three months on the sidelines after sustaining suspected knee ligament damage in Chelsea's Champions League goalless draw with CFR Cluj last night.

The Ivory Coast striker will definitely miss the Blues' Premier League clashes with Liverpool and Arsenal and Champions League trip to Roma, although he could be fit to face Manchester United in early January.

Drogba joins Chelsea's growing injury list, which already includes the following players.

ASHLEY COLE
Sat out the match against Cluj with a problem in his lower back with Wayne Bridge given a rare run out. Prognosis: The full-back should be fit enough to return for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa but with Bridge available may not be risked.

RICARDO CARVALHO
Injured his knee ligaments in the first few minutes of Chelsea's clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Prognosis: Will be unavailable for selection for at least the next three weeks.

JOE COLE
Missed Chelsea's last two games after he suffered a slight tear in a muscle close to his hip. Prognosis: Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari will be optimistic of a swift return but the midfielder remains a doubtful for the weekend.

DECO
The Portugal international tore a thigh muscle in the pre-match warm-up for the clash with Manchester United. Prognosis: Will definitely miss the game against Aston Villa but should be fit to resume training shortly.

ALEX
Picked up buttock injury against Cluj but struggled through the final 15 minutes of the game in Romania. Prognosis: With Carvalho out the defender will probably be asked to play through the pain barrier against Aston Villa at the weekend.

MICHAEL ESSIEN
The midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier for Ghana against Libya in early September. Prognosis: Has had surgery but the rehabilitation process is long and he is not expected to return from the injury for another six months.

JOHN TERRY
Struggled towards the end of the match on Cluj's hard pitch with a back problem . Prognosis: Scolari reported the injury is only a knock and the Chelsea captain likely to be involved against Aston Villa at the weekend.

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