Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Didier Drogba is not on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
Drogba has been linked with a move away from Chelsea since the mega-money arrival of Fernando Torres on transfer deadline day, and Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly lining up a summer bid for the Ivory Coast international.
The striker had to settle for a substitute appearance in Monday night’s goalless draw at Fulham as Ancelotti opted for the combination of Torres and Nicolas Anelka up front, but the Italian insists nothing should be read into his decision.
He said: “I don't know if Didier was happy, but every player knows every game is important. It doesn't matter.
“We wanted to rotate to maintain his condition and to give everyone great motivation. Maybe in the next game we will use both.
“We wanted to have more control of the pitch in this game.
“Fernando played well. He had some opportunities in the first half and I took him out just to use Didier fresh and with power. That's the only reason I changed him.
“His performance was better than that against Liverpool.
“Every striker wants to score. I don't think he's frustrated because he needs time to play with us and, after one week, he was really better tonight after that first performance.”