Shevchenko in confident mood

Ukrainian hit-man Andriy Shevchenko thinks the club can overcome league leaders Arsenal this weekend despite the injury to Didier Drogba.

He said: “It was the manager’s decision to take me off. I think it was important that everyone played in a game which was not so vital.

“For me, it’s important when the manager gives me a chance to play. I can then prepare myself to give my best.

“I don’t know if I will play on Sunday, it’s up to the manager. But I feel good and I hope to play because it’s a very important game.

“I try to play every game to my best and always work hard for the team. It was the same in my first season and now my second season. Every game I feel that I am getting better.”

Team-mate Frank Lampard added: “Where are our goals coming from? Where do you want me to start? Joe Cole, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, myself?

“It would have been nice to see both teams at full pelt but, in modern-day football, I don’t suppose that really happens.

“We are missing big players, particularly Didier, but they are potentially missing Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb.

“They have been two of their best players this season so that will be a loss for them.

“We’ll both be missing key players but these days it’s about having strong squads — so it’s a test of squads.”