The Chelsea striker was forced off the pitch with an injury to his elbow during the first half of a warm-up game against Japan in Sion, Switzerland.

L'Equipe reported on its website that he was immediately taken to hospital for scans, after which he confirmed he would play no part in the upcoming tournament in South Africa.

The Elephants' star player went down under a heavy challenge from Japan defender Tulio after 15 minutes which left him spread-eagled on the pitch.

After rising groggily to his feet, the Chelsea forward hobbled off and was replaced by Seydou Doumbia.

Ivory Coast were leading 1-0 after Drogba's free-kick was deflected into his own goal by Tulio in the 13th minute

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04062010/58/world-cup-2010-reports-drogba-world-cup.html

This is painful. speeeeeechlessssssssssss. I hope its a lie.

We missed A HERO.

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?

no be lie ooo, Brazil and Portugal must be smiling right now

Rio Ferdinand also out.

Yh Rios out too,wonder whos next

latest reports have it that he will still play at the WC. An immediate suggery is planned and he is expected back in 10 days. Thank GOD

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/04/1958629/world-cup-2010-didier-drogba-world-cup-2010-cote-divoires-didier-

French media sources have performed a swift u-turn on the news that Didier Drogba has been ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a fractured elbow in the first 20 minutes of Cote d’Ivoire’s friendly encounter with Japan in Sion, Switzerland earlier today.

L'Equipe and Canal+ both claimed that the Chelsea striker's hopes of playing had completely vanished after Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson had earlier confirmed the injury and admitted he was "concerned" about his skipper's hopes of competing in South Africa.

However, L'Equipe has now proclaimed that Drogba will undergo surgery and could be fit in ten days. Indeed, the publication goes as far to say that "[Drogba] could well participate in the first match for the Elephants, which is against Portugal on June 15."

With only a quarter of an hour gone in the game, Drogba clashed with Japanese defender Tulio, leaving him a little dazed. Tulio, the scorer of both a goal and an own goal against England last week, went for the ball with his leg raised, while Drogba's right arm came up simultaneously. The resulting collision between the Ivorian's elbow and Tulio's knee was purely accidental, but the Chelsea forward was ultimately withdrawn due to the injury. CSKA Moscow’s Seydou Doumbia was quickly brought into the frey.

Drogba, who is rated as the third best player in the world by the Castrol Rankings, had already made his influence tell in the early stages of the game, when his free kick was deflected home by Brazilian-born Tulio.

Despite the loss of Drogba, the Ivorians went on to win the game, which was played over three 45 minute periods, 2-0, though they will not relish a trip to South Africa without their recognised star forward.

Bet Chelsea wont like the fact they gonna rush him back after a surgery

NEWS HAS IT MILITO AND JULIO CESAR ARE ALSO OUT!


GOAL.COM

Injuries left, right and center.
Andrea Pirlo has joined the list

Drogba?
Ferdinand?
Milito?
julio cesar?

impossible . . .

Drogba
Ballack
Essien
Rio Ferdinand
Beckham

all missing in the action.
The african curse has started to work and the game hasn't even started! I even read that the ball is fishy, if you kick it to the left it flies to the right!

This shall be an interesting world cup!!!

http://www.goal.com/en/news/article?contentId=1958854

ferdinand is out


http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/04/1959049/world-cup-2010-there-is-still-a-chance-cote-divoire-star
drogba might return

as at 5:30pm

tausi:

Drogba
Ballack
Essien
Rio Ferdinand
Beckham

all missing in the action.
The african curse has started to work and the game hasn't even started! I even read that the ball is fishy, if you kick it to the left it flies to the right!

This shall be an interesting world cup!!!

If it was African curse then Drogba would be fit. The balls Adidas fault, and they always ve issues about the balls at most world cups in the past few years anyway

@tausi, the ball has a mind of its own. u need to see the freekick china scored against fr ance, the ball changed directions two times before ending up in the net.

This ball might favor Nigeria; imagine kicking it into the spectator stands only to see it inside the net. WAAAOH

I dont think hes out he might miss their opener or so

Arjen Robben is out too, he was trying out a  skillful pass. He injured himself in a perfect case of ''overskill dey kill ninja'' .

Milito's own is not serious

The injury to the 30-year-old, who scored both goals in Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, was described as not serious by the Argentina staff.

Julio Cesar will be fit in time

The only other injury problem for the Selecao is that of Julio Cesar who injured his lower back in the friendly against Zimbabwe, however the Brazilian media report that the Inter ‘keeper should return to full training in a few days time.

"It was nothing to worry about,” said Brazil’s team doctor Jose Luiz Runco.

Drogba has had a successful surgery but he's still doubt for the mundial.

Drogba has had a successful surgery but he's still a doubt for the mundial