Didier Drogba admits it would be a "disaster" if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Blues face the prospect on missing out on Europe's top competition for the first time since Drogba joined the club in 2004.

They are fifth in the Premier League, just outside the qualification places, following a difficult first campaign so far for André Villas-Boas.

"If we don't make the top four it would be a disaster," Drogba, who is due to return to club action after Africa Cup of Nations duty this weekend, told the Sun. "Every time we've started a season since I've been with Chelsea we never even finished as low as fourth. It is the hardest season I've known since I've been here."