Grant needs Drog replacement

Avram Grant admits that all available options will be discussed as he prepares to replace the world's most potent striker in January. Didier Drogba is heading off for the African Cup of Nations and Chelsea may be a little short in the striking department.

Grant declared: "Didier is an important player for us. I don't think you've seen another striker better than him in the rest of the world today.

"He is very important and in good shape. He is getting better from game to game, but what is important now is the present for the next two months and then we will think about the African Nations Cup.

"We think about the situation all the time but we cannot do many things about this. He needs to go but we are thinking about all the options. But what is important now is that he will continue to play well and we will develop our game."

But when asked if he had funds to compensate for players lost to the African Nations Cup in January, Grant replied: "We have a vision for the future and we are talking about everything all the time.

"I am very happy with the squad that we have but you always look for a player who can improve the squad - but it will not be more than 10 percent.

"It not about the money it is about the quality of the players."