Didier Drogba today admitted he is more worried about the prospect of contracting malaria again than his goal drought.
The stand-in Chelsea captain has not scored in the Premier League for 546 minutes, his last goal coming against Arsenal on 3 October.
His form is in stark contrast to last season, when he netted 37 times, but the Ivory Coast striker is still struggling for full fitness after being diagnosed with the disease.
The 32-year-old, who missed several chances in last week's defeat by Birmingham, said: "I know the chances I created are going to come again so I'm not worried.
"It's about my fitness and the legs. I have been ill for one month and it was very difficult for me to play when I was sick. I did it for the club and now I start to feel a bit better. I can do some runs and I feel really good.
"Malaria doesn't go, it stays in your system. That means in one year or six months I can have it again. I have to be careful and take the medicine when I go to Africa or to countries where you are subjected to this."
Chelsea hope Ashley Cole (ankle), Michael Essien (toe), Alex (knee) and John Mikel Obi (knee) will be fit to face Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.
