Didier Drogba was again left out of Chelsea’s 18-man squad for today’s Premier League clash with Stoke. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insists the Ivory Coast striker is not being made a scapegoat for last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United, but his future at the club must now be in major doubt.

He was axed against Southend for the FA Cup third-round replay in midweek and Nicolas Anelka was once again handed the main striking role.

Florent Malouda replaced the injured Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho came in for Alex.

New signing James Beattie spearheaded the Stoke attack with throw-in specialist Rory Delap also included in the starting line-up.