Drogba dropped for Southend clash

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The Ivorian striker has not even travelled with the squad for their crucial FA Cup third round replay at Roots Hall following their 3-0 mauling by Manchester United on Sunday.

"I have looked at many games with (Nicolas) Anelka and I have looked at the last few games with Didier," said manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. "I have my opinion and I will put my opinion on the pitch every game."

He added: "All the players have had their chance. I have given every player at least five or six games to impress."

Scolari also delivered a scathing assessment of his side's trophy-winning capability and hinted at more major changes after giving his squad of highly-paid players enough opportunities to impress him since the summer.

Scolari clearly feels Drogba is a pale shadow of the player once feared by both Premier League and European defences.

The apparent indifference on the pitch is in marked contrast to the eagerness of top scorer Nicolas Anelka who told Scolari he was unhappy at being left out of the starting line-up for their last three games.

Scolari added: "Now we will start with one team against Southend United, and maybe I will start with the same team against Stoke City. But I need answers from the players. I will give them their chance and I need answers.

"If I have given players only one chance then maybe some of the players will complain that they have only had one opportunity.

"But when I have given four or five chances then there is no room for questions, it is my decision to play this or that player, and finish."