Drogba dropped for Southend clash

Didier Drogba has been sensationally axed from Chelsea's side to face Southend tonight.

The Ivorian striker has not even travelled with the squad for their crucial FA Cup third round replay at Roots Hall.

Drogba has become the first victim of Luiz Felipe Scolari's get-tough policy following their 3-0 mauling by Manchester United on Sunday.

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.

The Ivorian 's 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.

'I have looked at many games with Anelka and I have looked at the last few games with Didier,' said Scolari. 'I have my opinion and I will put my opinion on the pitch every game.

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

'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.'

RTE