Drogba to return for Chelsea against Fulham

LONDON, Sep 28 (Reuters) Didier Drogba is fit to return for Chelsea against Fulham in the Premier League tomorrow, manager Avram Grant said today.

The Ivorian's return from a knee injury picked up in the 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Sept. 2 would be a huge boost to Chelsea who are looking to end a run of three league games without a victory or a goal.

They also have a Champions League clash at Valencia on Wednesday, a match that has taken on greater significance after they began with a 1-1 home draw against Rosenborg.

''We will check the players this afternoon and tomorrow to make sure everything is okay but probably Didier will be back tomorrow,'' Grant, who will be taking charge of his first home game since Jose Mourinho's departure, told a news conference.

While Drogba is ready to return, Chelsea will still be without midfielder Frank Lampard and defender Ricardo Carvalho, the club's other two long-term injuries.

''Frank not yet but almost,'' Grant said. ''Ricardo Carvalho needs a few more days and he will be okay.

''They do everything that they can to be back quickly and they are already coming back quicker than we thought.'' REUTERS PDS RAI2029