Having reported a worrying injury list in the aftermath of Wednesday's Champions League game, there was better news from Felipe Scolari on Friday as he prepares to face a side he admires.

The best news of all concerned Didier Drogba who the manager had seen in person today. He spoke of an estimated return date.

'Drogba now I think is normal treatment. I think maximum one month and he is ready to play.

'Today I looked in his face and I saw he was happy. I was afraid more than Didier but he knows now it was a little injury.'

The international break will reduce the Chelsea games missed by the striker as he recovers from damage to knee and ankle suffered in Romania, but Scolari is hopeful the two-week gap will not be needed to rehabilitate the others injured midweek.

'Ashley Cole and Alex didn't train today and I won't know until tomorrow but I expect that they play [against Aston Villa]. I think of all the players that played in Cluj, only one will not play.

'This morning I asked John Terry about his problem and he said my problem has finished. He said tomorrow I train and I play, maybe on one leg, but I play.'

The collection of back problems may be easing but Deco (upper thigh muscle tear) remains out, as does Ricardo Carvalho (knee). However Joe Cole could return on Sunday having been out of action since the draw against Man United with a similar injury to Deco's.

'Joe trained very well today. I don't know now but he is in good condition to play,' Scolari reports.

Even without the use of Drogba during October, Scolari remains convinced that Chelsea won't suffer through lack of fire power, even against an Aston Villa side he believes are dangerous.

'I am satisfied with my players. Anelka has scored goals this season, so has Joey Cole, Salomon Kalou and Malouda. Di Santo scored two in the pre-season. I have players, I am not afraid because of the injury for Didier.

'Aston Villa now have 13 points which is very good. We have 14. It is a big, fantastic game on Sunday and we respect this team.

'They have very good players up front, they have quality with Carew, they have on the right Agbonlahor who makes many goals; on the left Ashley Young who plays in the national team who can dribble very well.

'I like the style of Martin O'Neill. I have never met him but I have seen on television many of his teams. He fights for his team, he is hungry and this a good chance to say hello to Martin and that I appreciate his team. But we need to win.'