Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that he will drop Fernando Torres following the striker's poor performance against Liverpool earlier this week.

The Spaniard, who was recalled to the starting lineup after four games to face his former club in their Carling Cup clash, had little impact on the game despite Chelsea's change in formation to fit the £50m striker.

Going forward, the Blues boss has decided to bench the former Atletico Madrid man once again.

"We're going back to 4-3-3 at Newcastle and Didier [Drogba] is showing good signs of returning," he said.

"Fernando has shown in the past that he has that ability and we will continue to pursue it. It must come with time and confidence but Fernando is facing tough competition.

"We still believe in him and we will continue to pursue his individual form."

Chelsea can move ahead of Alan Pardew's Newcastle side and into fourth place with a win this weekend.