Didier Drogba will make his return to competitive football tonight (Monday) in a match that can be seen live on Chelsea TV.




Chelsea reserve matches against Arsenal traditionally provide some of the highest quality action at this level and the game has come at the right time for our star striker to set up his return from a knee problem.

Drogba has not played since the Champions League Final, missing both the pre-season tour and the start to the Barclays Premier League season, and will be raring to go at Barnet FC's Underhill ground having completed a week of full training with the first team squad.

The Ivorian will bring experience to a young Chelsea team, containing seven of the side that contested last season's FA Youth Cup Final.

An older head, hoping to supply and feed off Drogba, is England Under 19 international Scott Sinclair but in defence is Jeffrey Bruma, a 16-year-old in his first year as a full-time scholar and in midfield, Jacob Mellis, a 17-year-old second year scholar.

Between the posts tonight is Rhys Taylor, a recent call-up to the full Wales squad, and on the bench is recent loan signing from Sporting Lisbon, Fabio Paim.

The match represents the start of the Barclays Premier Reserve League South campaign for the side managed by Brendan Rodgers, although the team will feel well-prepared following two high quality friendlies against Man United earlier this month, Sinclair and Mellis scoring in a 2-2 draw in the home match.

Previously there were games against the first teams of Torquay United and Slovenian side Maribor.

Chelsea TV's coverage, which starts at 6.30pm, includes a preview interview with Brendan Rodgers. Jason Cundy will be providing expert analysis of the game and Clive Walker is co-commentator.

The Chelsea team tonight is:
Rhys Taylor, Nana Ofori-Twumasi, Jeffrey Bruma, Carl Magnay, Patrick van Aanholt, Liam Bridcutt, Scott Sinclair, Jacob Mellis, Didier Drogba, Sergio Tejera, Miroslav Stoch.

Sub: Niclas Heimann, Michael Woods, Ricardo Fernandes, Fabio Ferreira, Fabio Paim.

For those wishing to attend the game at Barnet, kick-off is 7pm.

A map of can be found here.

To subscribe to Chelsea TV on Sky Digital channel 421, click here or call 08442 410 803. Existing Sky customers can subscribe through the Sky Products area on Sky Active via their Sky remote control.