Fears for Drogba
Post categories: World Cup Have Your Say
| 13:59 UK time, Friday, 4 June 2010
Reports from Switzerland say Ivory Coast's captain and main threat, Didier Drogba, has injured his elbow in a friendly against Japan - an injury that could rule him out of the World Cup.
A spokesman for Ivory Coast has said that early indications are the striker is "uncertain" for the tournament.
The striker, whose singular presence arguably turns Group G into the 2010 "Group of Death", was taken to hospital after being hurt in a tackle with Japanese defender Tulio Tanaka.
Drogba went off only three minutes after underlining his threat, scoring the opening goal of the friendly with a fortunately-deflected free kick.
This is a worrying time for fans of the teams at the World Cup, as they hope key players make it through warm-up games and training: England fans are currently sweating on reports of a knee injury to their captain, Rio Ferdinand, while USA's striker Jozy Altidore has also suffered a knock.
Ivory Coast are by far the most fancied of the African teams at the continent's first World Cup tournament. But in a group with Brazil and Portugal, do they still have a chance of making it to the last 16 if they have lost Drogba?
If Drogba and Ferdinand are out, who should replace them?
And who else are you praying will stay fit?
Comment number 1.
At 21:23 4th Jun 2010, Elizabeth Kuranchie-Mensah wrote:This shouldn't be their worry!After all, it not only ivory coast who are in such situation-what of the others? What should they say?If they believe they have a strong team, they should just pray for the best.Michael Essien wouldn't be playing but Ghanaians are not worried;we trust the team and not individuals.
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Comment number 2.
At 22:33 6th Jun 2010, kris wrote:Sadly there is no one to take his place .How can you replace someone like Messi or Drogba.Its a big loss for all football fans.
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