Didier Drogba is set to start up front for Chelsea in their Champions League Group B game against Schalke at Stamford Bridge despite continued speculation about his future at the club.

Drogba's team-mate Hernan Crespo, who is on a long-term loan with Serie A champions Internazionale, is the latest name to speak publicly about Drogba's situation, and the Argentine has urged the Ivorian to consider a move to the San Siro.

"Drogba is a wonderful player and I understand he could be leaving because Jose Mourinho is no longer there," Crespo is quoted as saying in the Sun.

"If he can handle a bit of rotation, he would do well here at Inter."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas have also come out in recent days declaring their admiration for the striker, but Drogba remains a key part of Avram Grant's plans.

The new Chelsea boss has re-iterated his desire to bring more attacking and entertaining football to Stamford Bridge, and will likely look for Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Florent Malouda to support Drogba in attacking positions tonight.

However, Chelsea are still without captain John Terry (knee) and left-back Ashley Cole (ankle), as well as long-term absentee Michael Ballack.

Schalke meanwhile, are boosted by the return to fitness of defender Mladen Krstajic but Germany's international full-back Christian Pander is out with a hamstring problem.

Sean Fay / Eurosport