Mourinho seeks double Final boost

Jose Mourinho hopes Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben will be fit to line up for Chelsea against Manchester United next Saturday in the first FA Cup Final at the new-look Wembley Stadium.

Top scorer Drogba has been struggling with an ankle injury while winger Robben is recovering from knee surgery, but Mourinho believes both could return as he goes in search of the one domestic honour which has so far eluded him.

The Blues boss, who has already ruled Andriy Shevchenko, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack out of the end-of-season showpiece, said: "Drogba will be okay and Robben has a chance - he has a chance."

Meanwhile, Chelsea have rejected claims that Ballack underwent surgery on his ankle in Germany without their permission and that his future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt.

A spokesman said: "In answer to recent speculation regarding Michael Ballack's injury, nobody's future at Chelsea Football Club was ever in doubt following his operation. There is also no doubt that Michael has put Chelsea FC's interests first.

"There was a debate on when an operation should take place and there was a final agreement on that surgery taking place. Chelsea and all its players have full confidence in our medical team, headed by Bryan English, and his professional reputation."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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