Didier Drogba of Chelsea Benched: Didier Drogba was unhappy at being given the axe from the Chelsea line-up (Getty)
Didier Drogba's jilted but no spark for Torres as Chelsea held by Fulham
Didier Drogba could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer, after Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Galatasaray target was annoyed at being dropped by Chelsea in favour of Fernando Torres for the draw at Fulham.
Off: Torres (right) is replaced by Drogba at Craven Cottage (PA).
The Ivory Coast international is rumoured to have become increasingly unsettled in west London this season, which goes some way to explaining his poor form.
However, it has been suggested that being relegated to the bench for Monday's goalless draw at Craven Cottage - and new signing Torres putting in another below-par performance up front for the Blues - could be the last straw for Drogba.
The 33-year-old was linked with a host of clubs in January, including the Turkish giants, Marseille and even Real Madrid.
Sources close to the club also suggested manager Ancelotti held talks with the veteran to see if he wanted to remain in west London or leave during the transfer window.
And although Drogba insisted he was committed to Chelsea, he is now reassessing his options because he sees the latest snub as a sign Ancelotti wants £50m Torres, 26, as his main striker for the future.
'I don't know if Didier was happy,' Ancelotti admitted afterwards.
'But every player knows every game is important. It doesn't matter [about individual players].'
The Italian manager said Drogba's axe from the starting XI was part of a routine squad rotation - but also cast doubt on the African star's fitness by hinting he needed a rest.
'We wanted to rotate to maintain his condition and to give everyone great motivation,' he added.
'Maybe in the next game we will use both.'
Drogba has shown signs of discontent at various points this season, admitting there is a 'bad mood' around the squad because of inconsistent results, while speculation persists Ancelotti could also be shown the door in the summer - regardless of how his team performs down the stretch.
Chelsea's Fernando Torres was substituted after 70minutes at Craven Cottage (Getty Images)
And coach Carlo Ancelotti’s gamble of leaving Didier Drogba on the bench backfired as the champions failed to overcome a passionate Fulham side who made it a Valentine’s night to forget for misfiring Blues new-boy Fernando Torres.
The £50million deadline-day signing from Liverpool gave a woeful display after being controversially preferred to Drogba before he was hauled off after 70 minutes.
Drogba was eventually thrown on but was unable to provide the winner and Chelsea were lucky to survive a last-gasp penalty miss from Clint Dempsey as they remained fifth, two points behind Tottenham but 12 adrift of leaders Manchester United.
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