Champions League: Chelsea's Didier Drogba back in training ahead of Schalke clash

Didier Drogba gave Chelsea a Champions League boost today with a surprise training ground return.

The Ivory Coast veteran had been expected to be ruled out of the Blues opening Group G clash with Schalke at Stamford Bridge tomorrow after suffering with a swollen right ankle.

But Drogba showed no signs of any ill-effects as he sprinted on to the pitch at Chelsea's Cobham base.

Drogba's last Champions League touch in a Chelsea shirt was the clinching penalty in the 2012 Final against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.

Jose Mourinho, with a full squad to choose from, is likely to stick with in-form Diego Costa up front.

But Drogba could now be on the bench.

And with the table-topping Blues travelling to Manchester City on Sunday, Drogba and Loic Remy will both be hoping for a run-out against the struggling German outfit.