Didier Drogba has reportedly rocked Chelsea with the news he requires a knee operation that will keep him out of action for at least a month.The Ivory Coast striker is believed to have undergone a scan on Wednesday that revealed degeneration in his left meniscus, which requires surgery.

Drogba first picked up the injury on international duty last month and is in danger of causing himself serious danger if he continues to play through the pain barrier.

Chelsea may prefer to patch the 29-year-old up to get him through the Christmas period but Drogba himself is likely to want to go under the knive immediately to recover in time for January's African Nations Cup.

The Blues' medical staff will now assess Drogba in training on Thursday before advising Avram Grant of the best course of action for the player.

Drogba will need three to five weeks to recover from surgery and will then need to build up his match fitness, meaning he could well be sidelined until February if he undergoes an operation now.

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