Drogba waits on FIFA decisionIvory Coast striker Didier Drogba is still
waiting for FIFA to decide if he will be allowed to play against Portugal on Tuesday with a protective cast on his broken arm.Drogba fractured his arm in a warm-up match against Japan on June 4 and initially feared he would miss the World Cup, but the talismanic striker has recovered quicker than expected and should be ready to play a part in Ivory Coast's opening match.
The Chelsea frontman trained with his team-mates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday evening as manager Sven Goran Eriksson revealed he was waiting to hear from officials if Drogba can wear a lightweight dressing on his fractured arm.
Asked if Drogba will play in the Group G game, Eriksson said: "I don't know, and I am honest, I really don't know. Probably we will take the decision if he will start the game or not start a couple of hours beforehand.
"He had a very good practice session yesterday with all the other players and he will do the same today, and hopefully he will be okay. But I don't know. The one who can tomorrow say yes or no is himself.''
FIFA are deliberating over the issue of the cast, but whatever the outcome of those discussions, Eriksson is hopeful that Drogba will play a significant role for his country during the group stage of the competition.
The Swede said: "We are rather confident that he can play part of this tournament. Tuesday is eight days since he broke his arm and it is a short time, but we think he will take part in the tournament - and we haven't called in any other players, so that says everything.
"I hope he can play tomorrow, but I am not sure about it. There has been a FIFA meeting today and the people haven't come back yet. We will know later.''
Defender Yaya Toure admitted Drogba's absence would be a huge blow. He said: "Didier is a very important player for us. He is our captain and it is true that we need him. But the situation is complicated and we will see tomorrow if he is able to play.
"But at this stage, the team is focussed, we know our strengths. We have formidable players in front of us [in the Portugal team] and it is not going to be easy tomorrow. But we will give our all and do our best.''
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