The Times says the Ivory Coast striker had a scan yesterday that revealed degeneration in his left meniscus, which requires surgery. A decision on whether to operate immediately or patch him up in the hope of getting him through the Christmas period will be made in the next few days.

Although there is a temptation to keep Drogba going with the aid of painkilling injections until January, when he will be unavailable because of the African Cup of Nations, the 29-year-old is unwilling to sacrifice his international ambitions in such a manner and the club's medical department do not want to risk his long-term health for the sake of a few Barclays Premier League appearances.