World best striker , Didier Drogba may still be able to play for the Ivory Coast in the upcoming World Cup following surgery on his broken right arm Friday in Switzerland.
In a statement released by the Ivory Coast soccer federation, Drogba's surgery at a hospital outside Bern was 'a complete success,' and doctors are optimistic for 'a speedy recovery.'
According to an Ivory Coast teammate, Drogba, one of the world's premier strikers, very well might miss the Cup after breaking his arm in a tuneup match earlier Friday.
Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure spoke after the game, saying, "For him, he said, the World Cup is finished."
Drogba went up for a header alongside Japan's Marcus Tulio Tanaka in the first half Friday afternoon in the final tuneup game for both squads before the World Cup begins next week. Following the challenge, Drogba immediately began signaling for help and left the pitch. Ivory Coast went on to win the match 2-0.
Toule's statement seemed to parallel that of Eric Kacou, a team spokesman, who said, "It is a fracture in his right arm." Team coach Sven-Goran Eriksson seemed to downplay the notion that Drogba would definitely miss the World Cup, stating, "We are not sure yet."
Drogba's loss would be a huge blow to Ivory Coast's chances of a strong showing in the Cup, as they are part of this year's "Group of Death," alongside perennial world powers Brazil and Portugal, and a strong North Korean team. The Coast opens against Portugal June 15 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Drogba, 32, scored an astounding 29 goals in 32 matches for Chelsea(UK) this year, helping Chelsea to the Premier League title.
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