Didier Drogba is full of praise for his Chelsea teammates as he prepares to leave for Ivory Coast's African Nations Cup campaign.

He said: "I am really happy with the way my team-mates are playing because people thought the title challenge was over. I don't think my absence should really affect our chances although I would have loved to be a part of the team now.

"I am happy other players are scoring in every game. Therefore Drogba's absence does not make Chelsea weak in attack.

"As somebody who has been playing regularly, except on a few occasions, it disturbs me staying out of action now.

"But I've really come to appreciate other players for filling in the gap."

Drogba, who has netted 74 times in 158 outings for the Blues since August 2004, added: "Chelsea are definitely good enough for the title - even when I'm not there.

"It would be wrong to dismiss any team at the moment as no- hopers. The frontrunners could be overtaken by any team.

"I think Shevchenko, Ballack, Wright-Phillips and others are doing really well and scoring good goals. There are others who can step in and score too.

"Don't forget it's not only Drogba that's out, other good players are not playing now as well and yet Chelsea still win.

"It shows that Chelsea do not rely on a particular player. All players are important."