Nicolas Anelka: We can’t cope without Didier Drogba

The striker scored the only goal in Chelsea's fortunate 1-0 win in their opening group game over Porto last night but they laboured for long periods without their top scorer Drogba leading the line.

The Ivory Coast international will be missing for another two matches due to the ban he received from UEFA for his behaviour after they were knocked out by Barcelona last term.

Drogba will sit out their next game at Apoel Nicosia and at home against Atletico Madrid and he will be missing again — for up to six weeks — in the new year when he flies to Angola for the African Nations' Cup.

Anelka said: "It's good that we can win without him but it's better when he's in the team. We miss him when he's not there.

"We miss his physical impact and my position on the pitch is different, so I feel I have to change. He was suspended against Porto but he will come back in the team later on in the competition."

The France international revealed his match-winning performance was inspired by captain John Terry after seeing him play on despite being knocked unconscious.

Terry collapsed to the ground in the eighth minute after he was accidentally struck by Porto captain Bruno Alves's elbow and received lengthy treatment from the club doctor. The Chelsea captain confirmed he was knocked out for "about 10 seconds" before he resumed his place in defence.

He will be re-examined before the League match against Tottenham on Sunday just as a precaution but is still expected to play. Anelka added: "John is a warrior. He can play when his leg is broken. He's our captain and wants to play every game. He gives us spirit to fight and we fight when we see him on the pitch."

But Alves was left unimpressed by Chelsea and is adamant they were lucky to get all three points. He said: "We had a lot of chances to score but we didn't put the ball in the net.

"Chelsea, in one of the few times they created any danger, managed to score and in the Champions League that is what makes the difference. We showed we play on an equal footing, no matter who the opponents are."

Meanwhile, Chelsea were handed a major lift with the presence of Joe Cole in the squad for the first time since he suffered a serious knee ligament injury eight months ago.

Cole ended up being an unused substitute but received the loudest cheer of the night from the home fans when he ran along the touchline to warm up.

The club are banned from making any transfers until January, although they are appealing against FIFA's decision. Anelka insists Cole's return is better than any new signing and reveals he could play against Tottenham.

He said: "Joe was ready to play but I think the pitch was too heavy for him. He's going to train tomorrow and will be fully fit this weekend."