Benayoun nearing Chelsea exit

Benayoun has seen just one minute of action for the Blues this season and looks to be surplus to requirements following the arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia. It has been reported that Benayoun could head to Tottenham if Chelsea manage to sign Luka Modric, while Newcastle have also been linked with the Israel captain, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool last summer on a free transfer. Benayoun wrote on Twitter: "negotiating with several team (sic) ...news soon." Benayoun was restricted to 10 appearances for the club last season due to an Achilles injury, which kept him out for six months. Didier Drogba, meanwhile, will miss the Ivory Coast's match against Rwanda on Saturday as a result of the concussion he suffered against Norwich at the weekend. Drogba had to be carried off on a stretcher after being accidentally hit on the head by Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy while going for a header in the second half of the Blues' 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Drogba was due to travel to Africa on Monday to link up with his international team-mates, but he has stayed in London and will be monitored over the next few days by Chelsea's medical staff.