Chelsea have been stunned to discover that Didier Drogba has been suffering from malaria for at least a month
Chelsea have been stunned to discover that Didier Drogba has been suffering from malaria for at least a month.
Drogba complained of feeling unwell prior to the last international break in October and missed the league game against Aston Villa and the Champions League trip to Spartak Moscow.
The Ivory Coast striker also did not start Sunday's game at Liverpool, although he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.
He was finally diagnosed as suffering from malaria last night when test results revealed a significant level of parasitic activity in his blood.
Drogba, who will play against Fulham tonight, has been treated with a course of medication that should rid his system of the disease within days.
"He had a problem," coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "He has this virus and, obviously, he lost power and training.
"He lost his condition. He's had treatment and now he's okay. He'll come back immediately in the best condition.
"He suffered, obviously, because he wasn't 100 per cent but now, after treatment, he'll be better. He had malaria. Now he's good."
