DIDIER Drogba has admitted only adrenaline may be getting him through matches as Chelsea enter the last laps of their double quest.

The Ivorian, worryingly pulled up lame at the start of the second half at Tottenham on Saturday and although he soldiered on, he is far from fully fit, at a time when he is most needed.

“The season's long and I've had quite a few niggles and I'm starting to feel it a bit,” the striker said.

“I had a hernia operation six years ago but it's playing up again and causing me discomfort.

“I think maybe adrenaline has got me through matches, but you can't continue for long like that.

“I will see if I need an operation, but something needs to be done because I can't continue like this next season.

“There's no question of having anything done now though, with the World Cup on the way.”

Drogba's clipped wings are far from Carlo Ancelotti's only concern ahead of Sunday's must-win clash with Stoke City at the Bridge.

Michael Essien's knee has again flared up in training, making it doubtful that he will play again this season. He also faces a race against time to be ready for Ghana's World Cup campaign.

And with John Obi Mikel also ruled out with a knee injury, Deco or Michael Ballack will have to take over the holding midfield role that neither player prefers.

John Terry is suspended following his dismissal at Spurs and with Ricardo Carvalho out for another week at least, Branislav Ivanovic may have to play alongside Alex in central defence.

On the plus side, Ashley Cole could make his return, having been on the bench at Spurs.

Chelsea have needed 90 th minute winners in both of the last two clashes with Stoke.

Florent Malouda netted the decider at the Britannia Stadium in September, while Frank Lampard was the man last January.

A 2-0 FA Cup win over Stoke at the Bridge this year made it five wins in a row in head to heads and Stoke have not beaten the Blues in the league for 35 years.