Chelsea hit by Anelka injury blow

23/12/2009 11:18 +0100

Nicolas Anelka will miss Chelsea's Christmas games against Birmingham and Fulham after his calf injury was deemed more serious than expected.

Anelka missed Sunday's draw with West Ham with a calf problem and the Frenchman faces a longer spell on the sidelines.

It was hoped the injury was not too serious, but the France international will now miss the trip to Birmingham on Boxing Day as well as the West London derby with Fulham on 28 December.

Chelsea are hoping Anelka will recover in time for the FA Cup clash with Watford on 3 January as they face up to the prospect of being without Didier Drogba for the whole of the month because of his participation in the African Cup of Nations.