Andre Villas-Boas has stated the importance of Didier Drogba's position at Chelsea, despite rumours linking the striker with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian's future with the former Premier League champions is unclear, but the ex-Porto boss hints that the 33-year-old remains his first-choice striker ahead of Fernando Torres.
"We have been challenging players in terms of performance levels, and our selection and criteria will continue to be this," Villas-Boas told the club's official website. "No matter the age, it's what we get from training and from games that will help us make a decision."
The Portuguese manager has insisted that the Blues have "enough options" to replace the frontman, if a problem arises.
"We have to make a decision. With Didier we can count on him for sure and will continue to do everything in our power to have him back as soon as possible from the African Nations to allow him to continue to perform like he has been doing.
"If not again we spoke about the fact that Fernando [Torres] is there for that position, [Daniel] Sturridge is there for that position, [Romelu] Lukaku is there for that position. There are enough options."
The London side face Manchester City on home soil this evening.
Danielle Joynson
