Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has backed striker Didier Drogba after a tumultuous start to the season. The French World Cup winner believes the big Ivorian goal scorer will stay at Stamford Bridge and get back to full fitness.

''There is no chance for Drogba to leave in January,'' Desailly said in an interview on ESPN Soccernet.

''It has not been easy for him. Last year he lost the Champions League final and was sent off, he's struggled with injuries at the start of the new season and the offers did not come in for him in the summer.

''Nicolas Anelka is the first choice for the coach now and it is hard for a player who was so important for the team, to see his place taken. It is difficult to play Anelka and Drogba at the same time - but you must be patient.

''You feel that the guy [Drogba] is in a bad way at the moment, but he has pace and power and is able to attract three or four of the opposition defenders. He looks like he has lost a bit of speed since his injury, but he just needs to play and get his confidence back.''