Didier Drogba had Malaria

Didier Drogba's recent dip in form turns out to have a good explanation: He was suffering from malaria. No, really. The Ivorian striker picked up the disease on while on holiday, missing games against Aston Villa and Spartak Moscow while also being unable to start during the 2-0 loss against Liverpool. If nothing else, this does a pretty good job explaining why he wasn't playing very well during those matches in which he did actually feature - malaria's not something you generally want to be playing top level professional football through.

"He suffered because he was not 100 per cent but after the treatment he will be better."

-Carlo Ancelotti

'Not 100%', eh, Carlo? I like how under the weather for me is having a slightly annoying cold and wanting to sleep a lot. Under the weather for Drogba means he has malaria and is less good at football than usual. Now he's been diagnosed and properly treated, he's expected to be 100% fit and will start against Fulham tomorrow.

Malaria!

Also, Nicolas Anelka is out with a minor back problem, so it's a very good thing that Chelsea finally figured out what was wrong with Drogba. Alex is also hurt with a slight knee problem, but in better news Michael Essien will be returning to midfield for the clash against Fulham.

Also also rumour has it that Frank Lampard has ebola.