Jan

Anelka carries the responsibility for Chelsea

Good timing for French stars return

One of the secrets about being a great striker is having great timing. It is hard to argue about the timing of Nicolas Anelka and his return to the Chelsea first team squad.

The striker has recovered from a calf injury and he should come straight back into the team for the FA Cup home tie against Watford. This should give the striker the chance to get 90 minutes under his belt before the EPL resumes. He may be subbed earlier if the game is going well but the important thing is for Anelka to get some game time.

Chelsea need Anelka back because of the African Cup of Nations.

The main star at Stamford Bridge is Didier Drogba, who is in action for the Ivory Coast on Monday. Drogba’s team have two friendly matches in Tanzania this week before the action starts for real.

If Drogba was the only player missing from the Chelsea team, it wouldn’t be so bad but the team have another three players away.

Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Solomon Kalou are all involved with the African Cup of Nations tournament and could be away for the whole of January.

Chelsea are further strengthened with the return of Florent Malouda and should have enough in their locker to defeat Watford.

It will be a day for the Watford squad to enjoy but the money earned from the tie could give the club a hand. Watford have been in extreme financial difficulties of late so any income not budgeted for is definitely a boost.

Can Anelka compensate for the loss of Drogba?