Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari says God answered his prayers after Didier Drogba was cleared of any serious knee damage yesterday.

Scolari said: "I am religious because I prayed for this. God help me. And sometimes God helps me.

"I prayed for Didier, as Didier is part of my family. All of these players are my family.

"When I saw the injury, I asked my God 'Look out for this player. He has tried to play for three months and he has worked hard'.

"I think God listened and he gave to Didier one more chance to play next month."

Drogba, who has rejoined crocked stars Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien on the sidelines, should be back in a month rather than needing a lengthier lay-off for surgery.