Didier Drogba is expected to miss Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Portsmouth on Sunday as he has decided to join up with the Ivory Coast national squad for the African Cup of Nations.
The Portuguese manager was hopeful that the 33-year-old would remain with the Blues for the third-round tie. However, it is believed that the striker has chosen to abandon the Blues at the request of Ivory Coast boss Francois Zahoui, according to the Daily Mail.
Doubt has surrounded the frontman's future at Stamford Bridge, with Aston Villa emerging as the latest club to be linked with Drogba.
Captain John Terry could also miss Sunday's FA Cup match due to a back injury.
