Caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo revealed Drogba picked up a genuine injury in Wednesday night's semi-final first leg that has left him in a race against time to be fit for Tuesday's return match. Drogba was hailed and castigated for a performance that saw him score the winner but also roll around theatrically several times.
Asked if he would have a conversation about the issue with Drogba, Di Matteo said: "No, because I don't see any reason why I should have a conversation like that. Our players, I think, are fair players. Everybody has his own style but I think we are a fair team."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he "had a word" with Ashley Young about the winger's tendency to go down easily, but suggested what went on at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday was much worse.
Drogba was accused of trying to run down the clock and former referee Graham Poll has warned the officials on Tuesday night may have that in mind.
Di Matteo said: "He was marked most of the time by two men and I think got a lot of physical battering as well on the night. We have to be objective about our opinions as well."
Confirming Drogba suffered a knee injury on Wednesday and would miss Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Arsenal - a match he probably would have been rested for any way - Di Matteo admitted he did not know whether the 34-year-old would be back for the trip to the Nou Camp.
"We have to assess him tomorrow and Sunday and how he recovers," he said.
"He got pushed and kicked around quite a lot in the game on Wednesday."
Meanwhile, Drogba's agent has claimed the striker's recent heroics would convince Chelsea to bow to his contract demands.
Source: PA
Source: PA