Drogba's future at Stamford Bridge was at the centre of more speculation after Scolari axed him from the squad that went on to beat Southend 4-1 in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night.

Assistant first-team coach Ray Wilkins insists Drogba is still a 'valuable member' of the set-up and England midfielder Frank Lampard wants the Ivorian to stay and fight for his place in the side.

Drogba was made to train with the reserves on Wednesday and feels he is being made a scapegoat following his poor performance in their 3-0 mauling by Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League last Sunday.

But despite Scolari's get-tough policy with the striker, Lampard hopes Drogba will react in a positive way.

"Hopefully he will remain a massive part of this club because he's definitely one of, if not the best, strikers in the world," declared Lampard.

"Didier is a very big personality and player at this club and he will take it in the right way, I'm sure.

"It's the manager's prerogative to leave players out. Every manager I've played under, and I've played under some top managers, has the right to drop someone, put them on the bench, rest them, whatever."

The Brazilian coach stung his squad with a scathing assessment of both their form and trophy-winning capabilities on the eve of the Southend cup-tie.

But far from alienating his players, Scolari's outburst appears to have galvanised a side supposedly at odds with him.

"Any time at any club there will be some players at the top of their game and some that aren't," said Lampard.

"The manager didn't pick on anyone individually. The manager was just explaining how it's been. We're not here to pick out certain individuals, we've all had our patches where we've not played at our best.

"If you want to cry about the manager saying you're playing below par - you have to look at yourself first. That is what every player has to do and is doing. The response was fantastic and we need to carry on from that."

Chelsea must now start to improve their Barclays Premier League form if they are to remain in the hunt for the title and they have the perfect opportunity tomorrow.

Stamford Bridge was a fortress for 86 unbeaten league games but defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal, along with Burnley in the Carling Cup, have shattered their belief.

Striker Salomon Kalou, who scored the second of Chelsea's four goals in their victory over Southend, believes players are more adventurous away from home because they do not get as much criticism from the fans if things go wrong.

"Our confidence drops a little when it hasn't gone the way we want," explained Kalou.

"People start to complain and the players try to play more. When you play away, you say to yourself 'okay, I will try it', and when you miss it doesn't matter.

"At home you miss and your home supporters might be upset, so you don't want to shoot so much."

Chelsea are still waiting to learn how long England midfielder Joe Cole faces on the sidelines after collecting an injury to the back of his knee against Southend.