Didier Drogba returns to training and could face Portugal
Didier Drogba returns to training and could face Portugal
Friday, 11, Jun 2010 12:41
By Lewis Bazley.
A week after fracturing his elbow Didier Drogba has returned to training and could feature in the Ivory Coast's first World Cup match, according to coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The Chelsea striker underwent emergency surgery last week after suffering the injury in a friendly against Japan and it was feared he could miss the entire tournament.
But with a light cast on his affected limb, the 32-year-old forward could make a remarkable comeback to the African nation's squad.
"If the game had been today or tomorrow, he wouldn't play," Ivory Coast coach Eriksson admitted.
"But there are still some days. He might play against Portugal."
The Elephants open their World Cup campaign against Portugal in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and will also face North Korea and five-time World Cup winners Brazil in the group stage.
"It is a difficult group, but we will be well prepared and we will do everything to play well against the other teams," Eriksson commented.