Cole Confident Of Success Despite African Exodus

The Blues will have their squad stretched over the next few weeks as influential quartet Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel embark on national duty.

Cole admits that the loss of the four stars may prove detrimental to their efforts of gaining ground on league leaders Manchester United and Arsenal, but insists the depth and strength in squad is there to ensure the club remains in a healthy position for when the African contigent return.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Cole said: "Any team losing Drogba, Essien, Kalou and Mikel, it's going to be tough. But the players who we've got here are champing at the bit to play.

"You've got Pizarro to come in, who's a top class striker, and everyone else who has come in has done a good job.

"I'm not going to say it's going to be easy, but it's a great challenge for us and we're up for the challenge.

"We've got a good strong squad still and everyone is raring to go and the atmosphere is good. We've got loads of important games and the lads are really looking forward to it."