The Premier League side take on Juventus in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday and the Ivorian striker who has missed large chunks of the campaign through injury looks set to play a vital role.
He failed to convince former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari that he deserved a starting role, his body language told a story of an unhappy player and Chelsea, without him, lost their focal point.
Hiddink paired Drogba and Anelka as dual strikers in last Saturday's game against Aston Villa and was rewarded with an energetic display from both men, another goal for Anelka and a Premier League victory.
"When they didn't play together, that depended upon other people's style of play. That is in the past. My interest is only in the short future ahead for me and the team," Hiddink said.
"They played together at Aston Villa in a very important game. You cannot hide in games like that. They worked very hard for the team and they helped us get the first win."
"They understand that they are our first line of defence and if they can continue to play like that then there is no problem to use their very strong qualities as attacking players," Hiddink said.
Drogba's rejuvenation and the upbeat feel around Stamford Bridge has come just in time for what should be an emotional night for returning former manager Claudio Ranieri.
"Chelsea have shown they are a great team," Ranieri said.
"We know that we will be playing against the team who lost the last Champions League final because of a missed penalty but we will go there and play with determination."
Alessandro Del Piero will come back into the starting lineup having been rested for Saturday's 2-0 Serie A win at Palermo and will probably be partnered by Amauri.
