Chelsea's Salomon Kalou believes his impending Olympic adventure will have a positive impact on his Premiership campaign, despite recent worry about his involvement...

Salomon Kalou's (pictured right) wisdom has been called into question of late. The Chelsea striker will take the risk of going to the Olympics with the Ivory Coast U23 squad, rather than seek to get off on the right foot with new Stamford Bride gaffer Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Thus, he'll miss the start of the Premiership campaign as last season's Premiership, Carling Cup and Champions League runners-up seek further improvement under former Portugal boss Scolari.

However, at 22-years-old Kalou is within his rights to go, although the Beijing tournament isn't officially recognised by FIFA.

Now, Kalou himself has played down fears over his Olympic involvement.

He said: "Playing competitive football will help me for the season as I am playing at a good level.

"I feel that when I arrive back in England I'll be ready."

The winger has scored 14 goals for the Blues in 63 appearances since moving from Dutch club Feyenoord in 2006.

However, he's clearly keen to continue to cement his place in the Ivorian consciousness, having netted 6 times in just 8 games.

Liam Black, Goal.com