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Drogba 'is not out of the World Cup' claim Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba is not out of the World Cup © Getty Images

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Didier Drogba has had successful surgery on his broken arm and Ivory Coast are confident he will be able to play some part in the World Cup finals.

Drogba, captain of the Elephants, could still miss the tournament but the country's medical team are refusing to give up on their talisman. The striker suffered the injury against Japan in Switzerland on Friday and was immediately flown to Berne for specialist attention.

The Ivory Coast Federation (FIF) have announced that Saturday's operation was "a success'' but have not yet confirmed how long the forward is likely to be sidelined for.

"Following the fracture of the ulna which Didier Drogba suffered in the international friendly between Japan and the Ivory Coast, on June 4 in Sion, the national team captain was today, Saturday June 5, admitted to the Lindenhof hospital in Berne,'' read a statement on the FIF website.

"He was taken care of by Professors Ralph Hertel and Michel Gaillot, eminent specialists in their area. The surgical operation which was necessitated by his condition was performed with success. Professors Hertel and Gaillot, as well as the Elephants' medical staff, are confident regarding the speedy recovery of the player.

"The FIF thank the sporting world and all those in the Ivory Coast, in Africa and throughout the world who have shown their support to Didier Drogba and the Ivory Coast.

"He's not at all out of the World Cup. He can still play. We don't know if he will be able to play the first game - that depends on the verdict of the medical team. But he's definitely not out (of the tournament).''

Ivory Coast face Portugal, Brazil and North Korea in Group G.

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