• World Cup

Ivory Coast optimistic over Drogba fitness

Soccernet staff
June 7, 2010
Didier Drogba was injured in a friendly against Japan © Getty Images
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Ivory Coast have described Didier Drogba's recovery from arm surgery as "extremely encouraging" and the striker will reunite with his team-mates on Monday, but it remains unclear whether he will be fit for the start of the World Cup finals.

Drogba fractured the ulna of his right forearm during a friendly fixture against Japan on Friday as defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka collided with the Chelsea striker, immediately casting doubt over his participation in the finals in South Africa.

Drogba had told team-mates he feared his tournament was over but the signs are now more encouraging for the captain and his coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson, who was contemplating embarking on a World Cup campaign without his attacking talisman.

"His recovery has been extremely encouraging," a spokesman for the Ivorian Football Federation said. "It is suggested that, at this stage, all the signs are good and there is great hope the captain of the Elephants will be in action with his team-mates as soon as possible."

Ivory Coast play a friendly against Lausanne Sports on Tuesday before flying to South Africa where they will face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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